IGCAT has officially announced the 8th edition of the European Young Chef Award that will be hosted in Sicily, European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2025, on 27-30 November 2024 at the Istituto Professionale Alberghiero IPSSEOA «Giovanni Falcone» in Giarre, Catania.
Innovation on tradition and the use of local ingredients will be at the centre of the competition that will bring together finalists of local contests held in the awarded and candidate European Regions of Gastronomy. They will compete by innovating traditional recipes from their regions and will be evaluated by an international jury of chefs and experts from across Europe according to their creativity, skills and ability to communicate the story of their dishes.
The assessment of the young chefs will also pay particular attention to sustainability, as they will need to demonstrate their capacity to reduce food waste and single-use plastics in the kitchen, as well as ensure a balanced use of meat/fish ingredients and vegetables in their dishes. Moreover, increased emphasis will be on the young chefs’ support and collaboration with young food producers in their regions, such as farmers, fishermen and beekeepers.
By promoting innovations on traditional cuisine, highlighting sustainable food cultures and supporting local food products, the European Young Chef Award is a powerful tool to raise young chefs’ awareness on the importance to preserve regional food and cultural diversity, as well as local plant and animal varieties throughout their professional career.
The European Young Chef Award counts on the continuous support of its official ambassador, world-renowned chef Joan Roca, who has endorsed the competition’s principles since its first edition in 2016: “I congratulate this initiative that highlights the richness and diversity of European gastronomy, at the same time as valuing chefs for their role in ecology and sustainability.”
Enjoy the video of the European Young Chef Award 2023!
For more information about the European Young Chef Award please visit the dedicated website.
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.