Trondheim-Trøndelag region (Norway) has been officially recommended for the European Region of Gastronomy 2022 title by a jury comprised of international experts in different fields on 14 November 2019.
The announcement took place in front of representatives from local authorities, stakeholders and press during a press conference organised at Liantunet restaurant in Trondheim, following a three-day jury visit to the region, aimed at assessing the region’s readiness to host the title.
Chaired by Vice-President of IGCAT and expert in sustainable tourism development, Dr. Edith Szivas, the evaluation panel included experts from IGCAT and awarded European Regions of Gastronomy: Jesper H. B. Christensen (Aarhus-Central Denmark, European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2017), expert in food and gastronomy business development; Heidi Lazani (South Aegean, European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2019), expert in communications and community integration; and Ilona Sares (Kuopio, European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2020), expert in agrifood business development.
The jury decision was based on an accurate review of Trondheim-Trøndelag’s bid book Thriving Together Towards New Horizons, that was publicly presented in Brussels on 9 October 2019, and an intensive field visit to the region (12-14 November 2019), where the experts had the opportunity to meet local stakeholder organisations working in agriculture, fishing, tourism, culture and education, as well as stakeholders from public, private, third sector and education institutions.
In general, the jury was impressed with the gastronomic strengths of Trondheim-Trøndelag and its dedication to sustainability, and recognised the work already undertaken by the region in this regard. They congratulated the region for its strong commitment to the Food Manifesto and its flagship initiatives such as the Trøndelag Food Festival, which is already contributing to build a sustainable economy by connecting urban and rural products, enterprises and consumers.
Furthermore, the jury emphasised that Trondheim-Trøndelag’s bid:
- clearly integrates the different focus areas of the European Region of Gastronomy very well;
- presents a long-term strategy and therefore is more likely to provide a lasting legacy for the region;
- shows a strong commitment from the partners to the programme.
At the same time, the international experts acknowledged the ethos and high quality of food production in Trondheim-Trøndelag region, as well as the pride and passion that local stakeholders show in their appreciation of the land and the waters, the green and blue economy.
The jury evaluation concluded that, if used appropriately, the title will help the Trondheim-Trøndelag region in its quest to become world renowned as the Home of Nordic Flavours and elevate the status of the region in terms of gastronomy, sustainable tourism, food education and quality food supply.
Subject to the jury recommendation being agreed by IGCAT Board, Trondheim-Trøndelag will be officially awarded European Region of Gastronomy 2022 at the European Committee of the Regions premises in Brussels, in February 2020.
About the European Region of Gastronomy
Candidate and awarded Regions of Gastronomy from Europe, guided by IGCAT, are working together to raise awareness about the importance of their cultural and food uniqueness; stimulate creativity and gastronomic innovation; educate for better nutrition; improve sustainable tourism standards; highlight distinctive food cultures; and strengthen community well-being.
About IGCAT
IGCAT aims to empower local communities by raising awareness of the importance to safeguard and promote distinct food, culture, arts and sustainable tourism assets. This is essential to balance against globalised food trends that are impacting on our planet, health 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 provides the Region of Gastronomy Award and is the official secretariat for the European Region of Gastronomy Platform. Furthermore, the Institute has developed the European Young Chef Award the Local Food Gift Challenge, the Top Visitor Experience and the Food Film Menu.