The International Institute for Gastronomy, Culture, Art, and Tourism (IGCAT) has Awarded Manabí the prestigious title of World Region of Gastronomy 2026, recognising the province’s outstanding commitment to celebrating its rich gastronomic traditions, cultural heritage, and sustainable, community-driven tourism. The award aligns with IGCAT’s core values: fostering regional collaboration, safeguarding culinary and cultural diversity, and encouraging innovation for a more sustainable and inclusive future.
On 27 June 2025, Manabí celebrated this momentous achievement at the Iche School–Restaurant–Lab, in San Vicente. The President of IGCAT, Dr. Diane Dodd, officially presented the World Region of Gastronomy 2026 title to the four leading figures representing the institutions that spearheaded the bid: Leonardo Orlando Arteaga, Prefect of the Provincial Government of Manabí; Luis Villacréses, President of the Chamber of Industry and Production of Manabí; Orazio Bellettini Cedeño, Executive Director of Fundación FUEGOS; Dr. Marcos Zambrano, Rector of the Eloy Alfaro Laic University of Manabí (ULEAM); and Mateo Estrella, Minister of Tourism of Ecuador.
Upon presenting the title, Dr. Dodd emphasized that the award is “the result of years of hard work, dedication, and passion from committed professionals across all sectors: farmers, artists, artisans, producers, chefs, and more. Much has been achieved, but we can accomplish even more if we work together and aligned. That is why I commend the Five-Year Plan 2025-2029, as it reflects a shared vision and represents a true engine for transformation.”
Their collaborative leadership, uniting public, private, civil society, and academia institutions, was commended by the international jury during their official visit to the region in October 2024. The jury highlighted the strength of this alliance, describing it as a model of intersectoral cooperation that demonstrates how gastronomy can become a powerful tool for community development, innovation, and youth engagement.
The event also featured a speech by Mateo Estrella, Minister of Tourism, who affirmed the national government’s commitment to the region: “It is a great honour to celebrate this important recognition for Manabí. This title is the result of the collective effort of its people and communities, and it represents a historic moment for the province and for Ecuador. From the National Government, we reaffirm our commitment to local and sustainable development, supporting the promotion of our culture and gastronomic traditions on an international stage. The future of Manabí is bright: we are working today for the legacy we will leave to our children and grandchildren. With unity, cooperation, and vision, we will build a Manabí and an Ecuador open to the world.”
Mr. Estrella also served as an honorary witness to the signing of the agreement between the leading institutions and IGCAT, formalising their collaboration on the international projects planned for 2026 and shared commitment to the year’s programme.
As Manabí looks ahead to 2026, these organisations will lead a dynamic, year-long programme aimed at celebrating the region’s culinary identity, empowering new generations, and promoting inclusive, sustainable tourism. The legacy of Manabí: Ancestral Gastronomy is already taking shape, through cultural festivals, academic research, food innovation, and support for small producers, laying the foundation for a future where gastronomy drives resilience, pride, and prosperity.
The Prefect Leonardo Arteaga delivered a heartfelt speech: “This is a proud moment for Manabí. We thank IGCAT and Dr. Diane Dodd for believing in the Region’s potential, and the Promotional Committee for working together to honour our culture, cuisine and people. Being named the first World Region of Gastronomy in Latin America, and winning the 2025 World Food Gift Challenge, is a historic milestone. This title reaffirms our commitment to our community and to the 201 years of Manabí’s history. It strengthens our goals for sustainable development, protecting our ancestral flavours, our producers and our identity.”
IGCAT’s award underscores the importance of promoting local identity, culinary heritage, and the role of food in uniting communities. The ceremony in Iche was a powerful testament to this, featuring a vibrant showcase of local products and traditional dishes that reflected the region’s agricultural diversity and culinary richness. Chefs, producers, and students from across Manabí came together to demonstrate their passion, skill, and commitment to preserving authentic flavours and biodiversity, reinforcing the idea that food is both a cultural expression and a tool for sustainable development.
This historic moment marks the beginning of a legacy-driven journey for Manabí. The region is poised to develop an ambitious programme of activities for 2026 that will deepen its investment in community-based tourism, youth education, and culinary innovation. With the collaborative spirit of its institutions, the creativity of its chefs, and the dedication of its people, Manabí is ready to inspire the world through gastronomy—offering not only unforgettable tastes, but a model of cooperation, resilience, and cultural pride that reflects the very values IGCAT seeks to promote.
Photo credits: Fundación FUEGOS
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 June 2025
