Galicia’s “living seed library,” managed by the Misión Biológica de Galicia (MBG), is helping restore agricultural biodiversity by conserving and reintroducing more than 3,000 local varieties of cereals and legumes. Preserved under controlled conditions near Pontevedra, these seeds act as a safeguard against climate change, pests, and plant disease while remaining actively
Sicily’s year as European Region of Gastronomy 2025 has marked a defining chapter in the island’s cultural and gastronomic history, demonstrating how food heritage, sustainability, and young talent can be mobilised to create lasting international impact. In celebration of the region’s gastronomy, a legacy event was held on 13 January 2026 in
In a significant step for the Middle East and the global gastronomy community, Jeddah–Taif has been officially welcomed as a candidate for the World Region of Gastronomy 2027 Award, joining IGCAT’s international Platform of Regions committed to sustainable, inclusive, and culturally rooted food systems. This candidacy builds on the regional legacy established by Aseer Region,
IGCAT was honoured to take part in the 40th anniversary celebration of Catalan tourism, organised by the Agència Catalana de Turisme (ACT) and held in the framework of Catalonia, World Region of Gastronomy 2025. The event opened with reflections from President Illa, highlighting this year’s significant growth in tourism while emphasising the importance
The International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism (IGCAT) is pleased to highlight the valuable exchange that took place at InnoDays 2025, an innovation event hosted by the Region of Crete, European Region of Gastronomy 2026. The event offered an excellent platform for collaboration among regions preparing or holding a Region
The International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism (IGCAT) is pleased to highlight the valuable exchange that took place at InnoDays 2025, an innovation event hosted by the Region of Crete, European Region of Gastronomy 2026. The event offered an excellent platform for collaboration among regions preparing or holding a Region
The International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism (IGCAT) is pleased to highlight the valuable exchange that took place at InnoDays 2025, an innovation event hosted by the Region of Crete, European Region of Gastronomy 2026. The event offered an excellent platform for collaboration among regions preparing or holding a Region
The International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Art, and Tourism (IGCAT) has Awarded Central Dalmatia the prestigious title of European Region of Gastronomy 2027, recognising the region’s outstanding commitment to local gastronomy, cultural heritage, and sustainable, community-driven tourism. This distinction highlights the core values IGCAT promotes: fostering collaboration, celebrating culinary and cultural diversity, and
Ioannis Liapakis from Crete European Region of Gastronomy 2026 was awarded European Young Chef for 2025 on 27 November. With the dish Erevinthos, Ioannis impressed the international jury, chaired by Xavier Pellicer – a leading figure in plant-based fine dining, from Catalonia, World Region of Gastronomy awarded 2025. The jury unanimously awarded this dish
The European Young Chef Award 2025 finalists have joined past honorees as IGCAT Regional Chef Ambassadors, committing to champion their regions’ local foods, celebrate culinary diversity, and promote sustainability. As IGCAT Regional Chef Ambassadors, these young chefs pledge to be positive change-makers throughout their careers, proudly representing their regions’ heritage and food cultures
The Plastic Free Foundation has released its 2025 Impact Report, highlighting the global achievements of Plastic Free July. In 2025, an estimated 174 million people across 190 countries participated—about 16% of global consumers. Participants significantly reduced waste, cutting an average of 13 kg of household waste per person and taking 15% more actions to avoid plastic compared to non-participants.
An international jury comprising of four international experts, accompanied by IGCAT’s President, Diane Dodd PhD considered the application of Nordland region for the title European Region of Gastronomy 2028. After reviewing the bid book: Nordland: Seasons Under The Light, submitted on 17 April 2025, the jury visited the region from 10-14 November
The transformative potential of public food procurement to drive systemic change towards sustainability and community wellbeing took centre stage during the webinar Public Food Procurement and its Impact on Sustainability, hosted by IGCAT on 7 November 2025, in collaboration with IGCAT Expert Jacinta Dalton. Jacinta is the Head of Culinary
The International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism (IGCAT) is proud to have contributed to the successful launch and presentation of the Global Food Systems and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Report (2025) at the 5ᵗʰ World Shiology Forum, held from 28 – 31 October 2025 at the Hilton Haikou Meilan in Haikou, Hainan Province, China. The World Shiology
The Food Film Menu 2025 winners were officially announced at an inspiring Award Ceremony held in Gozo, Malta, on 27 October 2025, hosted by Gozo, European Region of Gastronomy 2026. The event gathered representatives from the Regions of Gastronomy, filmmakers, local and international experts at Ta’ Frenc Restaurant to celebrate the
A new global initiative, Tourism Food for Good, has been launched by UN Tourism, the TUI Care Foundation, and the University of Cambridge’s Centre for Resilience and Sustainable Development (CRSD) to reshape how food is produced, sourced, and consumed across the tourism value chain. Building on UN Tourism’s Global Roadmap for Food Waste Reduction, the initiative
