Catalonia, World Gastronomy Region 2025

The countdown begins for Catalonia to become the epicenter of international cuisine. Last June we learned that the Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism (IGCAT) had chosen Catalonia as the World Region of Gastronomy in 2025. In exactly one year, then, a series will be carried out of activities in different places around the world to highlight the Catalan culinary tradition. The purpose of this award is to underline and promote those regions that actively contribute to improving the quality of life of citizens, highlighting different food cultures, education for health and sustainability, and gastronomic innovation. It is a recognition that provides credibility to the regions, since it is awarded by an independent and international jury of experts made up of people from different areas of competence such as tourism, culture, hospitality and agriculture.

What activities will be carried out?

The question that many are asking is how this award will materialize. On the occasion of this recognition, the Generalitat of Catalonia has announced that it will allocate 9 million euros to promote various initiatives with the aim of positioning Catalonia as a major world reference in food and wine.

Highlights include the International Week of the World Gastronomy Region, which will take place in the main cities and countries where Delegations of the Government of Catalonia are located, and which will include various events such as promotions at points of sale or restaurants, wine tasting, cultural evenings, debates, food and wine experiences, chef exchanges, etc.

The Àpat Catalunya will also be celebrated, a massive dinner in an emblematic street or public space in Barcelona in the style of a major festival, with the most iconic dishes and recipes of Catalan gastronomy taking center stage. On the other hand, work will be done to ensure that the 9th call of the World Wine Tourism Conference of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is held in Catalonia and the Som Gastronomia Tour 2025 will be held, a series of presentations in the main tourism source markets. food and wine in Catalonia, aimed at operators, press and prescribers, with a technological and innovative component.

The Bite and Mos Awards were also launched, of which the first edition already took place during the National Gala of Wine Tourism and Gastronomy 2023, when precisely the election of the Catalan candidacy for 2025 was announced. These awards recognize the key role that creators of food and wine digital content undergo to promote this type of tourism.

European Gastronomy Region 2016

In 2016, Catalonia obtained the title of European Region of Gastronomy. On that occasion, more than 500 entities, agents and people in the country who work to promote Catalan gastronomy held nearly 500 activities related to the product, the cuisine and the territory, of diverse dimensions and of different character. Then, EUHT StPOL was the host to celebrate the European Young Chef Award, where culinary students from different European schools participated.