After two successful European editions, IGCAT launched the first World Food Gift Challenge to be celebrated on 7 April 2022 in Menorca, European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2022.
IGCAT’s awaited competition will gather high-quality food and crafts products from candidate and awarded World and European Regions of Gastronomy that will be assessed by an international jury of experts from IGCAT and the regions.
Their task will be to identify excellent, one-of-a-kind gastronomic gifts evaluating them according to different criteria, such as: attractiveness, sustainability, connection to the region they come from, storytelling, creativity and innovation.
The jury will select 7 category winners (Most Creative Branding; Most Sustainable Packaging; Best Storytelling; Best Tasting; Best Promotion of the Region; Best Innovation on Traditional Design; Best Contemporary Interpretation of Traditional Craft), as well as 3 overall winners (1st, 2nd and 3rd prize). All of them will be promoted internationally and permanently showcased on IGCAT’s websites and social media.
IGCAT’s World Food Gift Challenge contributes to the protection and promotion of local food and cultural diversity by instilling local pride into local traditions and acknowledging outstanding products from local culinary cultures.
Official ambassador for the project, chef Ana Roš stated “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.”
Find out more on the winners of the previous editions:
European Food Gift Challenge 2021
European Food Gift Challenge 2020
About the European/World Regions of Gastronomy
Candidate and awarded European/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 World Region of Gastronomy Award and is the official secretariat for the World and 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 Food Film Menu.