Menorca was officially awarded the European Region of Gastronomy 2022 title on 18 January 2020 in recognition of the region’s efforts to support local food and cultural diversity.
President of IGCAT, Dr. Diane Dodd presented the European Region of Gastronomy certificate to local authorities stating that “Menorca is a small island but an enormous leader in sustainability. This together with the rise of an amazing gastronomic movement in recent years, the dedication and passion of all the stakeholders, the creativity and talent on the island, the culture and heritage is why Menorca has been selected as European Region of Gastronomy.”
After delivering their bid book on 15 September 2019 and a public bid presentation in Brussels on 9 October 2019, Menorca welcomed an international jury of experts on 28-30 November 2019 who recommended the region for the award.
“By means of this acknowledgement, we aim to protect and promote our food and cultural diversity as key to the future of our economy” affirmed President of Menorca Island Council and of Fundació Foment del Turisme de Menorca, Susana Mora.
She stressed the collective and inclusive nature of the European Region of Gastronomy project in Menorca and highlighted “the network of producers, professionals and businesses that day by day build Menorca’s gastronomic identity and revitalise the local economy through tradition, innovation and sustainability.”
“Today” she added “we start a new, challenging journey to make our gastronomy a differentiating asset playing a decisive role in our economy, as well as in our territory, well-being and health.”
The award ceremony took place in the framework of a gastronomic feast organised to promote local food and popular culture at the Claustre del Carme in Mahon, one of the gastronomic symbols of the island. The event included several activities such as conferences, cooking shows and tastings combined with local poetry and improvisation.
Celebrations gathered representatives from the 12 founding stakeholders of Menorca, European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2022: Consell Insular de Menorca – Fundació Foment del Turisme de Menorca; Asociación de Bares y Cafeterías de Menorca; Asociación Hotelera de Menorca; Confederación de Asociaciones Empresariales de Balears; Confraries de Pescadors de Maó, Ciutadella y Fornells; Sa Cooperativa del Camp; Associació de Periodistes i Escriptors Gastronòmics de les Illes Balears; Fra Roger Gastronomia i Cultura; Escoles d’Adults de Menorca; y Escola de Turisme de Menorca.
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.