Food and cultural uniqueness of the European Regions of Gastronomy was celebrated at the 2nd European Food Gift Challenge, a competition organised by IGCAT to award local craftsmanship related to food, that took place in Coimbra Region, European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2021-2022, on 30 July 2021.
Hosted by the Intermunicipal Community of Coimbra Region (CIM Coimbra Region) in Condeixa-a-Nova, the competition gathered a total of 25 high-quality local food and food-related crafts products that were pre-selected in local competitions across Europe.
With a view to support and give international visibility to local producers who manufacture unique items related to the regions’ culinary traditions, three overall winners were selected:
- 1st prize, Have a tec? by Sa Cooperativa del Camp (Menorca, European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2022;
- 2nd prize, Coimbra Clarissas Pudding by restaurant Cordel Maneirista (Coimbra Region, European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2021-22);
- 3rd prize, Kauraparta bread flour mix set by Kauraparta (Kuopio, European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2020-2021);
And the following 7 products were awarded as:
- Most Creative Branding, Karst Commons in a Mug by Kras Carso Food Tour (Slovenia, European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2021)
- Most Sustainable Packaging, Mortar and pestle by Ovidi Arader (Menorca, European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2022);
- Best Storytelling, Penacova’s Flower Traditional Toothpicks by Maria de Fátima Conceição Lopes (Coimbra Region, European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2021-22);
- Best Tasting, Ratafia Raiers Pearls by Licors Portet (Catalonia, European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2016);
- Best Promotion of the Region, Easter Basket (Minho, European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2016);
- Best Innovation on Traditional Design, WoodLoveStone Collection (Slovenia, European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2021);
- Best Contemporary Interpretation of Traditional Craft, Ginets by Es Fangueti (Menorca, European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2022).
Due to safety restrictions imposed by Covid-19, the jury of experts for the competition included both local members from Portugal, who were able to attend in person and focused on the sensorial appraisal of the products, as well as international experts from IGCAT and the Regions of Gastronomy, who evaluated the products online, assessing their compliance with criteria such as sustainability of product and package, storytelling, uniqueness, innovation on tradition and connection with the region.
The jury was chaired by Dr. Diane Dodd, President of IGCAT who noted that «this competition contributes to Europe’s climate change solutions given that consumers need to be encouraged to eat sustainably farmed/produced products. The storytelling and uniqueness of each product comes from the historical meaning that each hold within their regions and therefore all the products presented are in fact winners because they are all innovating to encourage future generations to keep food traditions alive.»
Other members of the jury included Jaume Gomila, Executive Board member of IGCAT; Prof. Dezső Kovács, IGCAT Expert from Hungary; David Apap Agius, Mayor of Gharb on Gozo Island; Maria Miguel Manão, Marketing Director of Adega Cooperativa de Cantanhede and Chef Ambassador of Wines of Coimbra Region; Carmen Soares, Associate Professor of the University of Coimbra (Faculty of Letters); and Jorge Fernandes, chef and teacher at Professional School of Viticulture and Enology of Bairrada.
Winning products were announced at an award ceremony livestreamed on Coimbra Region’s Facebook page for the general public and that saw the online participation from representatives across the European Region of Gastronomy Platform.
About the European and World Regions of Gastronomy
Candidate and awarded European and World 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; drive environmental sustainability in tourism, hospitality and agricultural sectors; support balance and sustainable tourism practices; highlight and support expertise from within rural and urban communities, creating connections and sharing good practises; and contribute to community health and well-being.
About IGCAT
IGCAT aims to empower local communities by raising awareness of the importance to protect and promote distinct regional food, culture, arts and natural assets as part of sustainable and balanced tourism and development strategies. This is essential to safeguard 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 European and the World Region of Gastronomy Award and is the official secretariat for the European and World Regions 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.