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 of Gastronomy title.
As part of the programme, the Region of Crete invited Laura Ruana Pavon, representative from Catalonia World Region of Gastronomy 2025. Her contribution offered insights into successful gastronomy-related innovation initiatives and helped spark wider conversations on how regions within the platform can learn from one another.
At the IGCAT booth, Catalonia’s work was further showcased through videos presenting their achievements in food innovation, cultural projects, and sustainability efforts. This visual display supported dialogue among visitors and demonstrated how regions can use creativity and cross-sector collaboration to address shared challenges.
InnoDays 2025 provided a valuable opportunity for networking and knowledge-sharing between public institutions, researchers, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders. Such exchanges reflect IGCAT’s ongoing commitment to fostering intersectoral cooperation and strengthening ties between awarded and candidate regions.
IGCAT thanks the Region of Crete for creating a space where innovation and gastronomy could intersect, and looks forward to supporting continued collaboration across all Regions of Gastronomy in the years ahead.
About the World/European Regions of Gastronomy
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; 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 Foodie Websites and the international Food Film Menu.
