The European Food Gift Challenge 2nd edition will take place in Coimbra Region, European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2021-2022, on 23 July 2021.
IGCAT’s acclaimed contest will bring together top-quality food and crafts products from the European Regions of Gastronomy, to be evaluated by an international jury of experts from IGCAT and the regions, with the aim to identify excellent, one-of-a-kind food gifts and promote them internationally.
Attractiveness, sustainability, connection to the region they come from, storytelling, creativity and innovation, will be among the criteria used to assess the submitted gifts that, in general, will be evaluated for their appeal to local and international visitors, increasingly searching for authentic and unique products.
The jury will select 7 category winners (Most Creative Branding; Most Sustainable Packaging; Best Storytelling; Best Tasting; Best Promotion of the Region; Best Innovation on Traditional Design; Best Contemporary Interpretation of Traditional Craft), as well as 3 overall winners (1st, 2nd and 3rd prize). All of them will be permanently promoted on IGCAT’s websites and social media.
The 1st edition of the European Food Gift Challenge was held in Kuopio, European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2020-2021, on 10 September 2020, and awarded 10 top food-related gifts from all over Europe.
IGCAT’s European Food Gift Challenge contributes to the protection and promotion of local food and cultural diversity by instilling local pride into local traditions and acknowledging outstanding products from local culinary cultures.
The European Food Gift Challenge 2021 call for submissions is available here.
About the Regions of Gastronomy Platform
Candidate and awarded Regions of Gastronomy, guided by IGCAT, are working together to raise awareness about the importance of their cultural and food uniqueness; stimulate creativity and gastronomic innovation; educate for better nutrition; improve sustainable tourism standards; highlight distinctive food cultures; and strengthen community well-being.
About IGCAT
IGCAT aims to empower local communities by raising awareness of the importance to safeguard and promote distinct food, culture, arts and sustainable tourism assets. This is essential to balance against globalised food trends that are impacting on our planet, health and local economies.
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 provides the Region of Gastronomy Award and is the official secretariat for the European and WorldRegions of Gastronomy Platform. Furthermore, the Institute has developed the European Young Chef Award, the European Food Gift Challenge, the Top Visitor Experience and the Food Film Menu.