The 24th IGCAT Best Practices Platform Meeting was successfully held in Menorca, awarded European Region of Gastronomy 2022 by IGCAT, on 4-7 April 2022, hosted by the Island Council of Menorca, the Fundació Forment del Turisme de Menorca, and Made in Menorca.
The meeting gathered over 20 representatives of IGCAT and candidate, awarded and potential Regions of Gastronomy who had the chance to meet local stakeholders and discuss common challenges for local sustainable development.
The main topics of discussion included:
Encouraging citizens to eat local, whereby local stakeholders and members of the Platform shared initiatives to promote and encourage the use of local products in restaurants and hotels.
Educating professionals for a sustainable future in tourism and hospitality to ensure an improved quality in the hospitality and restaurant sector.
Promoting Gastronomy Studies and Working with Food Critics to highlight the importance of historical research and disclose the plans for the 1st Congress of Journalists and Gastronomic Writers, to be organised by the Centre d’Estudis Gastronòmics Menorca on 7-9 October 2022.
Sustainability of local food production to discuss opportunities and challenges for local producers.
Cross-marketing, cooperation and external actions to spot possible collaborations among the Regions of Gastronomy aimed at strengthening the Platform and increasing international visibility.
Innovation in local food and craft products to encourage new and creative design of local products and the recovery of local craftsmanship.
Meetings and conversations were hosted and attended by different local stakeholders on the island, including representatives from: the City Council of Mahon; Fra Roger; the Museum of Menorca; the Association of Journalists and Food Critics/Writers of the Balearic Islands; Association of Bars & Cafés of Menorca (PIME); Restaurant Association of Menorca (CAEB); Leader; Association of Menorcan Hotels (ASHOME); Menorca School of Tourism; IES M. Àngels Cardona; the Adult Schools of Menorca; Gin Xoriguer; the Foundation for Illa del Rei Hospital; Hauser and Wirth Art Gallery; the City Council of Ciutadella; the Food Market of Ciutadella; the Institut Menorquí d’Estudis; the Cercle Artístic de Ciutadella; Menorca Biosphere Reserve; the Balearic Group of Ornithology and Defence of Nature (GOB); the Menorca Preservation Fund; Binillubet; Farmers & Producers Cooperative; the City Council of Es Mercadal; and the Artisanal Centre of Menorca.
In the framework of the 24th IGCAT Best Practices Platform Meeting, an award ceremony was held on 5 April to announce IGCAT’s Top 10 Websites for Foodie Travelers 2022.
On 7 April, IGCAT’s World Food Gift Challenge took place and the best food and food-related gifts from candidate and awarded Regions of Gastronomy were awarded at a gala event.
About the World European Regions of Gastronomy
Candidate and awarded 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; drive environmental sustainability in tourism, hospitality and agricultural sectors; support balance and sustainable tourism practices; highlight and support expertise from within rural and urban communities, creating connections and sharing good practises; and contribute to community health and well-being.
About IGCAT
IGCAT aims to empower local communities by raising awareness of the importance to protect and promote distinct regional food, culture, arts and natural assets as part of sustainable and balanced tourism and development strategies. This is essential to safeguard 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.