Trondheim-Trøndelag was officially awarded the European Region of Gastronomy 2022 title in front of a vast audience of policy-makers and stakeholders from the region, on 10 January 2020 in Trondheim (Norway).
President of IGCAT, Dr. Diane Dodd congratulated the region for their successful bid and presented the European Region of Gastronomy 2022 certificate to local authorities represented by Director of Planning and Development of Trøndelag County, Kirsten I. Værdal and CEO of Trondheim Municipality, Morten Wolden.
“I am very proud” affirmed Morten Wolden, “in order to get the European Region of Gastronomy 2022 title we have set very ambitious targets for our region. Food and food production are the areas where we have the greatest potential of gathering urban and rural activities and, through this award, we should build on the excellent work we have been doing in this field for the last 15-20 years.”
After delivering their bid book on 15 September 2019 and a public bid presentation in Brussels on 9 October 2019, Trondheim-Trøndelag welcomed an international jury of experts on 12-14 November 2019 who recommended the region for the award.
“It has been quite a journey” stated Kirsten I. Værdal, who added that “our region is good at both small artisan products, as well as big scale production and we should capitalise on these strengths. With the European Region of Gastronomy title, we are now making an important new step.”
Both Wolden and Værdal agreed that obtaining the European Region of Gastronomy 2022 title is just the beginning of a bigger challenge to involve the broadest possible range of stakeholders, as the whole region must be part of this project. Furthermore, they thanked leading stakeholders Visit Trondheim and the food-organisation Oi! Trøndersk mat og Drikke for their efforts in initiating and managing the region’s successful bid for the award.
The European Region of Gastronomy 2022 title was presented to Trondheim-Trøndelag in the framework of Trøndelagsmøtet, an annual event gathering a variety of stakeholders including local, regional and national politicians, business players, public enterprises and other relevant stakeholders in Trøndelag region.
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; 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 Region of Gastronomy Platform. Furthermore, the Institute has developed the European Young Chef Award the Local Food Gift Challenge, the Top Visitor Experience and the Food Film Menu.