Trondheim and the mid-Norway region Trøndelag officially presented their candidature bid to receive the title European Region of Gastronomy 2022 in the presence of Alin-Adrian Nica, First Vice-Chairman of the SEDEC Commission, European Committee of the Regions and a public audience during an event hosted by IGCAT in Brussels.
South Saami yoiker, Marja Mortenssen and talented tubist Daniel Herskedal magically transported the audience to mystical natural landscapes of Trøndelag with three beautiful compositions. Morten Wolden, Executive Director, Tondheim Municipality opened and closed the bid, providing the audience through video and image a glimpse of the range of quality natural resources and food producers available in Trøndelag. Both Michelin star chefs and Chef of the Year Reneé Fagerhoi (who designed a Tasting for the audience) can be seen to be paving the way for the wider region to be recognised for its Nordic Flavours.
Focus areas of Trondheim – Trøndelag’s bid and the proposed programme for 2022 were described by Kristine Rise, Project Manager, Oi! Trøndersk Mat og Drikke AS and Jens Storli, Congress and Convention Manager, Visit Trondheim who had coordinated the bid book process. The bid book identifies the culinary wealth of the region and highlights great initiatives like the Trøndelag Food Festival held annually in Trondheim.
The jury comprising of Jesper Henrik Borg Christensen, strategic advisor on gastronomy branding for Aarhus-Central Denmark Region – European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2017, Heidi Lazani, expert in food education, citizen engagement and advisor to the Governor of the South Aegean – European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2019 and Ilona Sares, expert in agrifood and services development for Proagria East Finland, stakeholder for Kuopio European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2020.
The bids took place within the framework of the European Week of Regions and Cities and completed a day of round table’s on Greener and Healthier Futures chaired by IGCAT’s President and Vice-President, Dr. Diane Dodd, and Dr. Edith Szivas during which Kirsten I. Værdal, Director, Planning and Development, Trøndelag County took part.
The jury is now set to visit Trondheim- Trøndelag 12-15 November when they will have the chance to meet stakeholders and study in detail whether the region is ready to host the Award in 2022.
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.