The European Regions of Gastronomy gathered once again in Brussels in the framework of the European Week of Regions and Cities to celebrate a new member of the Platform: Coimbra Region, European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2021.
The ceremony took place on 8 October 2018 at the Permanent Representation of the Republic of Slovenia to the EU, where Coimbra was officially welcomed to the Platform together with Slovenia, also awarded for 2021.
Based on their bid book A Million Food Stories and a jury visit during which a panel of IGCAT Experts chaired by Dr. Edith Szivas assessed the readiness of the region to hold the award, the title was officially given to Coimbra Region in the presence of Secretary of State for Spatial Planning and the Conservation of Nature (Portuguese Ministry of Environment), Dr. Célia Ramos and President of the Intermunicipal Community of Coimbra Region, João Neves.
Coordinator of Coimbra, European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2021, Sandra Simões presented the region’s programme for the title year, focused on safeguarding and promoting cultural and food diversity, boosting sustainability and health through local food, supporting SMEs, enhancing the role of gastronomy in education and fostering innovation.
The ceremony concluded with a tasting of local dishes from Coimbra Region and Slovenia highlighting the rich variety of landscapes and food products that both regions offer, and giving a taste of Coimbra Region’s desire to reinvent their gastronomy by innovating through local traditional flavours.
About the European Region of Gastronomy
Candidate and awarded Regions of Gastronomy from Europe, guided by IGCAT, are working together to raise awareness about the importance of their cultural and food uniqueness and share the long-term aim to: promote a better quality of life in European regions; highlight distinctive food cultures; educate for better health and sustainability; nurture creativity; improve tourism standards; and stimulate gastronomic innovation.
About IGCAT
IGCAT is a non-profit institute established in 2012, working with regional stakeholder consortiums in the fields of gastronomy, culture, arts and tourism. It counts on the expertise of a worldwide network of experts and works in partnership with specialised intergovernmental organisations.
IGCAT aims to empower local communities by guiding, facilitating, and supporting leaders in regions to understand the potential of their distinct food, culture, arts and sustainable tourism assets.
IGCAT provides the Region of Gastronomy Award and is the official secretariat for the European Region of Gastronomy Platform. Furthermore, the Institute has developed the European Young Chef Award, the Local Food Gift Challenge, the Top Food Experiences of the Year and the Food Film Festivals project.