14 amazing food stories from across the globe have delighted an international audience at Slow Food’s Terra Madre – Salone del Gusto event in Turin, that hosted a screening of IGCAT’s International Food Film Menu 2024 on 28 September.
This outstanding collection of short films highlighting local gastronomy and food sustainability, sparked enthusiasm and interest in the World Region of Gastronomy Award and Platform among the attending viewers. Thereafter, President of IGCAT, Dr. Diane Dodd held a Q&A session to explain the values and principles behind the initiative, enticing new regions to join our global movement for a better food future.
Besides strengthening the partnership with Slow Food International, the Food Film Menu projection offered also the opportunity for IGCAT to experience the global flavours of Terra Madre – Salone del Gusto (26-30 September 2024) and browse extraordinary stands, inspiring food producers that are safeguarding traditional food production, culinary innovations, and thought-provoking concepts.
Among them, the remarkable Escape Room in a Box initiative, developed in the framework of the Slow Food led and EU co-funded BEAUTIFOOD project, and focused on food choices. An exciting and creative way to engage people in meaningful discussions about sustainability and responsible food consumption, this unique experience invites adults to reflect on how their consumer habits impact both their personal health and the environment.
Another standout of Terra Madre was the work presented by the Culinary Arts Commission of the Ministry of Culture of Saudi Arabia that, in the last two years, have recovered tens of dozens of plant varieties on the brink of extinction, contributing significantly to the Slow Food Ark of Food project. Their stand was alive with culture and flavour, from traditional Saudi dishes to the famous Saudi coffee and dates, all accompanied by beautiful music. It was a wonderful collision of art, culture, and culinary excellence that left IGCAT deeply inspired and proud of Aseer region, the first World Region of Gastronomy 2024 that has opened with exciting culinary journeys.
IGCAT also applauded the Food Atlas initiative, which is being developed by Saudi Arabia in partnership with UNESCO, with the aim to collect and codify food traditions from across the globe, preserving them for future generations.
With a strong presence of Italian regions, the Terra Madre event hosted many producers from Sicily, European Region of Gastronomy 2025, who showcased some of the most remarkable products from across the island with the support of DOS Sicilia. It was particularly interesting to find out about the LOST-EU project led by Piedmont’s Alte Terre Association that enhances the visibility of 8 PDO cheeses from 5 different Italian regions, including Vastedda della Valle del Belice PDO and Pecorino Siciliano PDO cheeses from Sicily.
Further special highlights from Italy were the stands of Toscana and Piedmont regions. The first brought the true essence of Tuscan cuisine to life, offering a menu of flavourful dishes that celebrated local ingredients, regional tradition, and slow food values. The warmth and hospitality of their inspiring team completed the picture.
Tasting some of the finest products from Piedmont Region was also a great pleasure, as well as getting to hear about commendable local initiatives such as the Distretto del Cibo del Roero that promotes an efficient short food value chain based on unique, top-quality local products.
IGCAT’s adventure at Terra Madre ended on a sweet note with the surprising flavours of To’ak chocolate, a company committed to recuperate an ancient variety of local cacao and restore forest on degraded agricultural land in Ecuador.
IGCAT compliments Slow Food on another successful edition of Terra Madre – Salone del Gusto especially recognising Slow Food’s support to lesser economically developed countries by ensuring that they were widely represented at the event with their amazing products.
About the World/European Regions of Gastronomy
World/European 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; driving environmental sustainability in tourism, hospitality and agricultural sectors; supporting balance and sustainable tourism practices; highlighting and supporting expertise from within rural and urban communities, creating connections and sharing good practices; and contributing to community health and well-being.
About IGCAT
IGCAT aims to empower local communities by raising awareness of the importance of protecting and promoting distinct regional food, culture, arts and natural assets as part of sustainable and balanced tourism and development strategies. This is essential to safeguarding 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 World/European Region of Gastronomy Award and is the official secretariat for the World/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 international Food Film Menu.
29 September 2024
