European Food Gift Challenge_Icon

World Food Gifts 2023

IGCAT’s World Food Gift Challenge 2023 took place on the island of Kos in South Aegean, European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2019, on 27 April 2023.

The top 10 food and food-related gifts from the World/European Regions of Gastronomy for 2023 were selected by an international jury of experts as best practises for their ability to combine sustainability, storytellinguniquenessinnovation on tradition and connection with the region.

– 1st Prize –

HONEY ISLAND

Honey Island won the hearts of the jury as an exemplary product offering quality honey (including one innovation in the form of creme honey), putting an emphasis on the importance of bees as pollinators and showing a good collaboration with the producers of the woven hand-crafted basket in which the product is packaged. The jury particularly liked that the basket could be reused, and that it represents sustainable packing, perfect for transportation. They also appreciated the creatively designed and informative leaflet contained within and available in various languages.

ABOUT THE PRODUCT

Honey Island (Illa de Mel) includes the three types of honey produced by Illa de Mel: spring honey, autumn honey, and cream honey. The honey jars come in a typical Menorcan basket called paner, handmade with esparto grass by a local artisan. They achieve this remarkable variety of honeys – so different among one another – thanks to the diverse geographical areas where their hives are located and the floral variety that exists in Menorca in the different seasons of the year. Each of the three honey types presents completely different organoleptic characteristics.

Illa de Mel obtain high-quality honey because they work in a very artisanal and sustainable way with cold processes. Their goal is to bring a bit of Menorcan nature to the palates of those who taste the honey.

The product comes with three small flower-honeycomb-shaped brochures in three languages (Catalan, Spanish and English) where information about Illa de Mel, about Menorca and about the three honeys in the pack are displayed.

Source: Illa de Mel

ABOUT THE PRODUCER

Illa de Mel

Rafel and Sara are the people behind Illa de Mel. Two people in love with bees, Nature and Menorca. Two beekeepers committed to their environment and, more importantly, Menorca being a Biosphere Reserve since 1993. Taking into account the problematic situation that threatens pollinators, they see themselves in the responsibility of contributing their grain of sand and creating awareness of the importance of caring for the environment and its biodiversity. In this sense, they want to bring people closer to the fascinating world of bees and make known the importance of these insects and other pollinators for the preservation of biodiversity and for feeding people (they are responsible for a third of the food in the world).

In addition, Illa de Mel wants to give value to the concept of “proximity product.” They want to show where their honey comes from and how they care for their bees. They believe that it is the best way to give value to the work of bees, to their own work and to the product itself, giving it unmatched added value.

Illa de Mel hopes that the current paradigm shift towards a gastronomy that is more sustainable, ecological, and more concerned about the planet, as well as the fact that Menorca is the European Gastronomic Region awarded 2022, will drive the value of a honey with its history and own identity. As committed beekeepers, Illa de Mel will continue to work with enthusiasm, love and dedication, pampering their bees, taking care of the products they provide us with detail and betting on the rural environment and contributing to creating an increasingly sustainable Menorca (source: Illa de Mel).

Contact details:
Contact person: Rafel Mascaró Villalonga
Email: illademelmenorca@gmail.com
Phone: +34 630 769 129

– 2nd Prize –

NOKIAKKA JAMS

The jury found it was a wonderful quality, tasty and original set of conserves made with local products. The use of bold colours on the gift box was considered to be delightfully modern both in branding and design. Taste and texture of the two products were remarked upon as being of very high quality by all jury members.

ABOUT THE PRODUCT

Set of two Nokiakka jams: Carrot–Ginger and Beetroot–Ginger.

“Nokiakka jams flavours are born out of the harsh roots of the north and the burning passion for food. Nokiakka jams are made from local root vegetables and the other ingredients are mainly organic. They stand out from the others right from the first mouthful and always bring their own special addition to the dining table. It’s caviar, but it’s jam!

“Nokiakka’s artisan jams work with both savoury and sweet foods. They are perfect with cheeses, to accompany smoked meats, with breakfast yoghurt or between a burger or a hot dog.

Carrot–Ginger jam
“Crunchy carrot gives a perfect texture to the jam. Carrot ginger jam is a great match with both savory and sweet dishes. The Carrot-Ginger jam won The Best Finnish Artisanal Food Award in 2022.”

Ingredients carrot jam (52,5%), ginger (4,4%), sugar, lemon, water, spices (vanilla, cinnamon, rosemary)

Beetroot–Ginger jam
“Our versatile and sweet beetroot jam holds a special place on festive tables and those everyday moments of sweet little pleasures.”

Ingredients beetroot jam (52,4%), ginger (4,4%), sugar, lemon, water, spices (vanilla, cinnamon, rosemary)

Source: nokiakka.com

ABOUT THE PRODUCER

Nokiakka
Nokiakka is an award winning jam company from Finland. It was born out of two people’s love for food, each other and jam, where genuine ingredients, strong traditions and boundless creativity meet.

Contact details:
Email: info@nokiakka.com
Phone: +358 44 305 0184

Where to buy:
https://nokiakka.com/retailers

– 3rd Prize –

MELEKOUNI P.G.I.

The jury appreciated that this exemplary product contains no preservatives, is 100% super food made with high quality local products, and is packaged in an innovative way. Moreover, it is highly connected to the gastronomic tradition of the region.

ABOUT THE PRODUCT

Melekouni is primarily a traditional treat of the island of Rhodes, offered in every celebration and joyful event (weddings, christenings, births, etc.) since the old times and all the ingredients could be found in abundance on the island. Traditionally, before such an event, the village women would gather and in a festive and joyful atmosphere they would prepare this unique delicacy using their own style and technique up until today.

Melekouni has now been acknowledged as P.G.I product by official governing bodies and it can be found in packaging in shops as a highly nutritious snack.

The design approach of Melekouni by Filema Rodion was based on a centre illustration telling the product’s story through its main ingredients. A sesame seed, a drop of honey and an almond are showcased in the front of the packaging, underlining the products process, naturalness and friendly nature of treat. A custom container has been designed so it can be distributed worldwide in an effort to export traditional goods.

ABOUT THE PRODUCER

Filema Rodion
Filema Rodion is a local family business in Rhodes that makes authentic Greek treats with organic ingredients. It has been operating since 2014 producing traditional products in their purest form with the highest quality raw materials, while supporting local producers.

Contact details:
Email: info@filemarodion.gr
Phone: +30 2241 074 209

Where to buy:
Physical shop – Meg. Konstantinou 55, Rodos 851 00, Greece

– Most Creative Branding –

BOULETS DE TABLE (TABLE CANNONBALLS)

Designed by Aequo.design for ALL
Realised by Céramique de Desvres

The jury found this product to be very original and interesting, especially because the branding concept was carried through both the box, bag and product. They appreciated that the product was inspired by the mining heritage of North-Pas de Calais and repurposed for a contemporary use. They also considered the packaging – a small fabric bag and a cardboard box – to be a nice and sustainable option.

ABOUT THE PRODUCT

Composed of fine dust of coal agglomerated to make a small black ball, smooth and more or less round, the coal ball was once used daily for heating and cooking in the homes of families during mining in the North-Pas-de-Calais.

Inspired by this heritage, the set of three table balls ALL x Aequo.design is reinvented here in the form of a kitchen utensil, directly linked to heat: a universal trivet, a unique and offbeat decorative object that allows you to lay all types of dishes.

The balls are made of enamelled ceramic, a heat-resistant material. The ALL mark is embossed in the ball like the markings of the industrialists of the mining times in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais area.

This everyday object plays with the contrast of the coal ball, which produces heat, and the table ball, which resists it, creating of a unique object.

The set of three balls is packed in a small pouch made with fabrics from the recovery of raw materials and embroidered by the Potencier embroidery located in Villers-Outreaux.

Source: boutique-all.com

ABOUT THE PRODUCER

The Boulets de Table are designed by Tim Defleur and Arthur Lenglin from Aequo Design, realised by Lionel Herbaut from Céramique de Desvres, and marketed through the Autor du Louvre-Lens (ALL) brand.

Aequo Design
Aequo is a creative studio that combines its skills in industrial design and applied arts as well as its knowledge of the territory to meet different needs. Products, spaces or even services, Aequo operates in all fields of design with a strong identity and narrative concepts. Inspired by its territory, Aequo is committed to sustainable design. The studio favors local materials and know-how and seeks to create social ties through its projects (source: https://aequo.design/).

Contact details:
Addresse: 27 Rue de l’Espérance, 59100 Roubaix, France
Email: contact@aequo.design
Phone: Arthur Lenglin +33 6 21 17 81 83 / Tim Defleur +33 6 69 91 19 79

Autor du Louvre-Lens (ALL)
A tourist destination, it is part of the transformation of an industrial territory that extends over the mining basin and Artois. Based on two international landmarks, the Louvre-Lens and UNESCO, ALL – Around the Louvre-Lens is a cultural and event destination for international short stays. It embodies a new generation of unique European destination, based on culture, people and creativity. Here, tourist shopping is part of the strong expectations of a cultural clientele, interested in the destination “Around the Louvre-Lens” and ready to indulge themselves. ALL objects are part of a co-creation approach. They associate an artisan creator/designer or a company and are exclusively made in France. Unique, creative, these products contribute to shaping the image of the destination (source: https://www.autourdulouvrelens.fr/).

Contact details:
Addresse: 84 rue Paul Bert (Louvre-Lens Valley), 62300 LENS, France
Email: online contact form

Where to buy:
boutique-all.com

– Most Sustainable Packaging and Product –

PLATES FROM METTE OF NORWAY

The jury appreciated both the box and plates that are beautifully designed and elegant, yet made completely out of waste materials, showing excellent care for sustainability concepts. The jury also liked the size of this product which is useful and not too heavy to carry as a gift. They congratulated this high-quality product on being very original and exquisitely crafted with great skill.

ABOUT THE PRODUCT

“Can you make small plates reminiscent of the sea and wind?” This was the challenge that Mette Brasøy received from Bjørn Fjeldvær, her husband, who runs Trondheim’s smallest and most unique restaurant Visit Bjørn, in Ila.

The green glaze on the plate is made with broken wine bottles from Bjørn’s restaurant. The shards of glass melt together and form shades of colour that complement the delicacies of the sea. Each plate thus gets its own aesthetic play of colour, its own wave, its unique character.

Size of the plates: 16×1 cm

ABOUT THE PRODUCER

Mette of Norway
In her workshop, Mette transforms old materials into products of a more modern nature. Dirt and greenery are planed away and the most beautiful patterns and colours appear. Beneath the surface, materials in astonishingly good condition are often revealed. She allows herself to be fascinated and inspired to further work with them. The shape and the natural patterns and colours guide her further in her work to create both beautiful and functional products. As the materials all have their own distinctive starting points, none of her products will be the same. All of them are unique and live their own lives in terms of their own form.

There is a story behind every material Mette of Norway uses. The raw materials are sustainable materials from reuse, often old timber and planks that have lived a long life, in proud houses and surroundings. In combination with newer materials or new designs, Mette creates products that are intended to be used, or to be decorative. Or preferably, both! 

Source: metteofnorway.no

Contact details:
Address: Atelier Ilsvika, Mellomila 56, 7018 Trondheim, Norway
Email: metteofnorway@gmail.com
Phone: +47 94836539

Where to buy:
https://www.metteofnorway.no/shop

– Most Ecological Choice –

AN APPLE, A BEE AND A TREE – ČEBEROL’CA NATURAL BEESWAX WRAP

By Tjaša Mesinger Kreativni zavod Art kamra

This gift stood out as, on the one hand, it highlights the apple variety sevniška voščenka (the Sevnica Waxed Apple), that needs to be preserved to ensure biodiversity in the region is maintained; on the other hand, it educates in the use of sustainable beeswax wrapping. The jury found this product to be beautifully crafted with great skill, as well as strongly connected to the history and traditions of the region, and appreciated the booklet with apple recipes included in the box.

ABOUT THE PRODUCT

The An Apple, a Bee and a Tree package represents a chapter in the story of an old local fruit variety, sevniška voščenka (the Sevnica Waxed Apple), which has a flavourful centuries-long history. It is wrapped in a handmade Čeberol’ca beeswax wrap, which was made with care and using only local ingredients from organic farms. Čeberol’ca wrap replaces all artificial foils and bags. It has multiple uses in the kitchen and elsewhere, limited only by your creativity. It is not only a gift – it is also a materialised desire to be involved in local natural and cultural heritage by taking sustainable approaches. In the box there is a QR code linking to the video.

Čeberol’ca – natural beeswax wrap ingredients:

  • organic beeswax
  • pine resin
  • linseed oil
  • organic cotton dyed with organic onion peels
ABOUT THE PRODUCER

Tjaša Mesinger – Kreativni zavod Art kamra
“My name is Tjaša Mesinger. I am a creative at heart, a lover of versatile creativity, inspired by nature, foraging and striving for a self-sufficient life. I like to spend my free time with my family. Our pockets are always full of pinecones, twigs, flowers, pebbles and other little treasures.

“Since 2022, I have been running the Art Kamra Creative Institute, which aims to promote artistic expression, sustainable and green lifestyles, self-sufficiency, interconnection, education in a creative and innovative way, and the revival of old skills and crafts through various workshops and projects.”

Source: http://ceberolca.si/en/

Contact details:
Address: Kreativni zavod Art kamra, Naselje heroja Maroka 16, 8290 Sevnica, Slovenia
Email: ceberolca@gmail.com
Phone: +386 51 207 464

Where to buy:
http://ceberolca.si/trgovina/

– Best Tasting –

ASEER TASTE

By Abdullah Al-JurashiTahlal

The jury found this gift to be the result of an exemplary collaboration between the traditional woven crafts basket and the excellent and acclaimed Sidr Honey. The taste of the honey was exceptionally unique and the packaging was strongly connected with the local artisanal heritage of the region.

ABOUT THE PRODUCT

Honey bees feed on natural Sidr plants in the Rijal Alma mountains in the Aseer region. Sidr honey is considered one of the most famous types of honey in the region, and it is one of the trees of paradise according to the local culture, known for its health benefits according to their Islamic medicine beliefs. Sidr honey is registered within the Arc of Taste of Slow Food.

The card accompanying the product is handmade in natural colours derived from the nature of the region and decorated with the Aseer Al-Qatt Arts, included in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List.

ABOUT THE PRODUCER

Abdullah Al-Jurashi / Tahlal

The Aseer Taste honey is produced by Abdullah Al-Jurashi and commercialised by Tahlal, a local small business and online shop that sells artisanal products from Aseer, to enhance the tourist experience of the region and strengthen its identity.

Contact details:
Email: tahlal.sp@gmail.com
Phone / WhatsApp: +966 59 844 2282

Where to buy:
https://tahlal.com/ar

– Best Promotion of the Region –

AFTERNOON TEA

This gift captivated the jury for representing an exemplary collaboration among multiple producers to support and give visibility to their region. They jury found that each one of the products contained in the picnic bag were delicious and of very high quality. The attractive cloth cooler bag and storytelling leaflet with the European Region of Gastronomy logo were also considered to be additional selling points for the gifts.

ABOUT THE PRODUCT

This gift offers different flavours from the islands of Hitra and Frøya in Trøndelag, Norway. It includes fish, wild sheep, cheese, as well as berries and herbs from the coastal landscape represented. Frøyaflak, is the perfect vessel for both salty and sweet mouthfuls. Dander the Frøya flak with salmon and mustard sauce, cured sausage or cave cheese and jam. The herbal/flower tea from Helgebostad horticulture refreshes the taste buds between each chew!

The bag includes:
Najadelaks (Dolmøy seafood), Fish
Frøyaflak (Garnvik’s Røkeri), Barley and sunflower seeds
Mustard sauce (Dolmøy Seafood)
Tea (Helgebostad Hagebruk), Herbs and flowers
Cave Cheese (Hitra Gårdsmat), Organic milk
Cured sausage (DalPro Gårdsmat) Lamb and deer meat, and spices
Jam and biscotti (Hurran Spiseri), Flour and nuts

ABOUT THE PRODUCER

Smaker fra Øyriket
Smaker fra Øyriket is a network of food and beverage producers from the islands of Hitra and Frøya. Producers involved in the Afternoon Tea gift include: Dolmøy Seafood, Garnvik’s Røkeri, Helgebostad Hagebruk, Hitra Gårdsmat, DalPro Gårdsmat, and Hurran Spiseri.

Contact details:
Address: Hammerstadveien 1, 7250 Melandsjø, Norway
Email: kontakt@smakerfraoeyriket.no

Where to buy:
Email: kontakt@smakerfraoeyriket.no

– Best Storytelling –

MASIA PACK WITH 12 TORCLUM FLAVOURED OILS

By Torclum

The jury acknowledged this gift for its exemplary branding that characterises Catalonian art and storytelling related to the role of Masias in rural life. The jury felt the price-quality relationship was excellent and the bottles perfect for transporting also in a hand-luggage. The colourful, well thought out cartoon character on each bottle was very much appreciated because it told a story both about Catalonia and the product inside.

ABOUT THE PRODUCT

Pack of 12 bottles of 40ml Torclum extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) with different flavours: normal, garlic, mushroom, black truffle, white truffle, spicy, thyme, rosemary, basil, carob, orange, lemon. All these oils are naturally macerated without additives. The box features the shape of a typical Catalan farmhouse (called masia) where all the doors and windows can be opened so that the different flavours can be seen. At the bottom of the farmhouse we find a brief explanation about what the Catalan farmhouse means in the regional food tradition. Inside the box we can also find a small leaflet highlighting the 9 best-selling oils and what we can use them for.

Ingredients: EVOO and aromas. All the different aromas are dried to remove the moisture. Rosemary and thyme come from Torclum’s farms. They use natural garlic and orange and lemon peel. The rest of flavours come from a local spices company.

ABOUT THE PRODUCER

Torclum
Torclum is a small family business in la Bisbal del Penedés, in the province of Tarragona, which has been growing olives for generations. They currently control the whole production process, from cultivation to sale to the end customer, in order to offer the best organic extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) in their area.

Torclum olive oil is made exclusively with the fruits of their own olive trees, which allows them to control the product from its source. They look after their olive trees with a lot of care, following the principles of organic farming and reducing mechanised processes to a minimum. They believe in local farming. As a result, their oil does not travel great distances: it goes straight from their farm to the consumer’s table.

Source: https://torclum.com/en/

Contact details:
Addresses: Plaça Pau Casals, 5, 43717 La Bisbal del Penedès (Tarragona), Spain
Email: online contact form
Phone: Jordi +34 615 602582 / Ester +34 620 148362

Where to buy:
https://torclum.com/en/online-shop/

– Best Contemporary Interpretation of Traditional Craft –

PER MOLTS D’ANYS (FOR MANY YEARS AHEAD)

The jury appreciated this elegant luxury item, as it was beautifully designed and very concurrent with Menorcan tradition, but also appealing to anyone related to the culinary arts. They liked the connection of the gift to the horse competition traditions of Menorca, and to the black horse, unique to the island. The jury acknowledged how this one-of-a-kind product reflects the great skills of its artisan.

ABOUT THE PRODUCT

This gift contains a small silver spoon, which is a jewel-object that can be worn on the body as an ornament, on an apron or chef’s jacket, as a tie pin or as a pendant or used as a bookmark. The presentation is inspired by the present that is given to the caixers (horse riders) that participate in the festes (traditional festivities) of Menorca. The spoon was a symbol to signify the desire that food is not lacking in the house. Nowadays, that good ingredients and imagination are not lacking to create new dishes and sensations.

ABOUT THE PRODUCER

Núria Deyà
Núria Deyà has a workshop in the small town of Ferreries (Menorca), where she creates her own designs, using precious metals like gold and silver, semi-precious stones and innovative metals like titanium and niobium. She also likes to give a chance to some other unconventional materials in jewellery.

Her designs are inspired by the island, by its nature and its colours. They feature sinuous and suggestive curves that are transformed into rings, earrings, necklaces or bracelets where the contrast of the different coloured materials is emphasised.

Núria Deyà is an accredited artisan in Menorca and she was granted the use of the stamp ‘Artesania de Menorca’, which is a quality mark awarded on the island to distinguished professional artisans.

Contact details:
Address: Carrer Ciutadella, 12, 07750 Ferreries, Balearic Islands, Spain
Email: nuriadeya@gmail.com
Phone / WhatsApp: +34 699 094 573

Where to buy:
https://www.nuriadeya.com/en/

Our Jury

Kirsi Vartia

Kirsi Vartia

Finland

The World Food Gift Challenge 2023 was organised by IGCAT and hosted by

South Aegean_European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2019_Logo

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