The network of IGCAT’s Regional Chef Ambassadors keeps growing, as finalists of the European Young Chef Award 2023 have joined their colleagues from previous editions in the endeavour to support more sustainable food futures. By signing an agreement with IGCAT, they proudly commit to give visibility to their regions’ food and cultural heritage throughout their future professional career.
Through the European Young Chef Award, IGCAT seeks to nurture the most promising talent from the European Regions of Gastronomy, young cooks who can be influencers for the future and, help the coming generations understand the importance of protecting and promoting local food and culture for the benefit of their health, the environment and circular economies.
“After seven successful editions of the European Young Chef Award, we are proud to have now 63 IGCAT Regional Chef Ambassadors! They represent our future, as they pledge to always try to promote local products and local producers, as well as educate people and build awareness of the importance of keeping local plants and animal varieties alive; resuscitate old recipes; and tell the stories that make their regions unique. They are true ambassadors for their regions!” explained IGCAT President, Diane Dodd Phd.
The latest round of IGCAT’s Regional Chef Ambassador agreements were signed on 21 November 2023 at the Lycée Hôtelier du Touquet, in the framework of the 7th European Young Chef Award. Following the signing, each young chef finalist prepared a traditional recipe from their region as a warm-up for the competition whereby they presented an innovative interpretation of these dishes to an international jury of experts (22 November).
About IGCAT’s European Young Chef Award
The European Young Chef Award is an annual competition organised by IGCAT that gathers young culinary talents from the awarded and candidate European Regions of Gastronomy. Selected each year through local contests, finalists to the European Young Chef Award compete by innovating traditional recipes from their regions using local ingredients.
IGCAT counts on the continuous support of the official ambassador of the competition, world-renowned, Michelin-starred chef Joan Roca, who has endorsed its principles since the first edition in 2016.
The 7th European Young Chef Award was organised and promoted by the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Art and Tourism (IGCAT), and hosted by Hauts-de-France, European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2023.
The competition was held with the support of the Hauts-de-France, European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2023 consortium including: Région Hauts-de-France; Chambre Régionale d’Agriculture Hauts-de-France; Chambre de Commerce et de l’Industrie Hauts-de-France; Chambre Régionale de Métiers et de l’Artisanat Hauts-de-France; POT Hauts-de-France; Union des Métiers et des Industrie de l’Hôtellerie (UMIH); UniLaSalle; Programme Investissement Avenir, Caisse des dépôts; GIP Forinval Amiens; Campus des Métiers et des Qualifications d’Excellence, Tourisme et Innovation; and Région Académique Hauts de France.
About the World/European Regions of Gastronomy
World/European Regions of Gastronomy, guided by IGCAT, are working together to strengthen food security through the celebration of distinctive food cultures; create employment by stimulating creativity and gastronomic innovation; nourish children and adults through culinary and cultural education; driving environmental sustainability in tourism, hospitality and agricultural sectors; supporting balance and sustainable tourism practices; highlighting and supporting expertise from within rural and urban communities, creating connections and sharing good practices; and contributing to community health and well-being.
About IGCAT
IGCAT aims to empower local communities by raising awareness of the importance of protecting and promoting distinct regional food, culture, arts and natural assets as part of sustainable and balanced tourism and development strategies. This is essential to safeguarding our planet, health, wellness 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 founded the World/European Region of Gastronomy Award and is the official secretariat for the World/European Regions of Gastronomy Platforms. Furthermore, the Institute has developed the European Young Chef Award, the World Food Gift Challenge, the Top Websites for Foodie Travelers Award and the international Food Film Menu.