IGCAT Ambassadors
In order to recognise exceptional commitment and leadership in the protection and promotion of food and cultural diversity, IGCAT created the Ambassador Award. The aim is to thank those that have shared IGCAT’s journey and gone above and beyond to support the organisation’s values and principles.
FOOD FILM MENU
AMBASSADOR
“Food is not only essential, it is a way to connect, express, learn, enjoy and share and an important step stone to a sustainable future. Film has the ability to inspire our hearts and minds, while documenting food traditions and innovations that can help create awareness, involvement and solutions for a brighter future.”
IGCAT AMBASSADOR
IN ASEER 2024
“The Culinary Arts Commission is committed to safeguarding Saudi Arabia’s and the world’s culinary heritage, empowering our chefs and communities, and contributing to global dialogue that celebrates food as a bridge between cultures.”
IGCAT AMBASSADOR
IN MANABÍ 2026
“Food has the power to connect past, present, and future — the local and the global. This Award offers a unique opportunity to come together and, through food, culture, and art, shape societies that are more prosperous, innovative, peaceful, inclusive, and resilient.”
IGCAT AMBASSADOR IN SICILY 2025
Professor Vincenzo Russo was awarded for his pivotal role in advocating for gastronomy as a catalyst for sustainable development in Sicily.
IGCAT HONORARY
AMBASSADOR
“The World Region of Gastronomy is a pioneering project of cultural and economic significance to all regions who participate.”
IGCAT AMBASSADOR
IN MINHO 2016
Francisco de Calheiros was awarded for his pivotal role in the founding of the European Regions of Gastronomy Award and Platform, as well as for advocating for gastronomy as a catalyst of sustainable development in Minho.
IGCAT HON. AMBASSADOR
IN SOUTH AEGEAN 2019
“The European Region of Gastronomy is one of the best, most efficient and most clever investments that a region can make, in order to preserve the past, serve the present and deliver the future.”
EUROPEAN YOUNG CHEF AWARD AMBASSADOR
“I congratulate the European Young Chef Award initiative that highlights the richness and diversity of European gastronomy, at the same time as valuing chefs for their role in ecology and sustainability.”
WORLD FOOD GIFT CHALLENGE
AMBASSADOR
“I salute the World Food Gift Challenge focusing on gastronomy on the larger point of view. We need to support more the work of small scale producers. The food chain is one and we should defend it in its integrity.”
FOOD FILM MENU AMBASSADOR
“Film and video content are crucial for social impact. Visual media can engage and uplift communities by showcasing their people, culture, and especially their local cuisine. Food, inherently sensual and visually stunning, is particularly powerful on screen, enhancing emotional connections and communal spirit.”
IGCAT AMBASSADOR
IN CATALONIA 2025
“Catalonia has successfully applied for the World Region of Gastronomy 2025 title. We are well aware of the new challenges ahead, but also conscious that we can count on a strong international Platform to find solutions for our futures.”
IGCAT AMBASSADOR
IN CATALONIA 2025
“I must acknowledge the amazing work of the whole team behind Catalonia’s World Region of Gastronomy 2025 project. We are all involved and ready to do our best in view of the title year and beyond. This is a great opportunity for Catalonia and we are committed to tackle all the challenges ahead of us.”
IGCAT AMBASSADOR
IN GOZO 2026
“I believe food is far more than nourishment, it is about our memories, identities, and creativity. By safeguarding our culinary heritage, we protect our communities, our future generations, and the fragile planet that sustains us all.”
IGCAT HONORARY
AMBASSADOR
“IGCAT provides an essential space to build alliances, share knowledge, and influence international cultural policy, ensuring that gastronomy and wine are understood not only as economic assets, but as vital pillars of community well-being, biodiversity, and cultural diversity.”
IGCAT AMBASSADOR
IN MENORCA 2022
“The universal preservation of gastronomy as intangible cultural heritage stands as a landmark step in overcoming nutritional inequity.”
IGCAT AMBASSADOR
IN CATALONIA 2025
“As an educator in the hospitality sector, I believe that sharing IGCAT’s values is key for future chefs and professionals in gastronomy. That is why together we created the European Young Chef Award.”
IGCAT
HONORARY AMBASSADOR
“Having dedicated much of my life to advocating for the protection of our food supply and preserving the nutrients of our local food culture in contemporary diets, I am thrilled to support Vanuatu’s nomination for World Region of Gastronomy 2027.”
