Be the first to comment!Gozo recommended for title of European Region of Gastronomy
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The Gozo Regional Council has announced that Gozo has been recommended for the title of European Region of Gastronomy 2026. The title will be officially ratified and awarded in June 2024.
The recommendation for this prestigious Award of European Region of Gastronomy 2026 has been made by the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts, and Tourism –IGCAT.
The GRC in a statement on Friday said that “this momentous achievement marks a significant milestone in Gozo’s culinary journey and reaffirms its status as a vibrant island destination at the heart of the Mediterranean.”
It added that “the culmination of months of diligent effort and collaboration between various key Gozitan stakeholders spearheaded by the Gozo Regional Council, Gozo’s successful bid for the European Region of Gastronomy Award is a testament to the island’s rich eclectic gastronomic heritage, innovative culinary scene, and unwavering commitment to sustainability.”
Gozo underwent a rigorous evaluation process this week conducted by the IGCAT Jury, following the submission of a Bid Book in December 2023 which highlighted Gozo’s distinctive gastronomic identity and its vision for sustainable growth.
The GRC explained that jury members observed Gozitan life with its cultural and food identities; they experienced food traditions from small-scale goat milk farming, gbejniet and Gozitan ftira-making, to large-scale tomato processing and innovation technologies, also for international export.
The 5 international judges also explored the intrinsic link between food and religion through the transition from Carnival to Lent and Holy Week gastronomic traditions. They explored Gozo’s unique cultural heritage sites such as the Ggantija Temples and the Ta’ Pinu National Shrine.
” The island’s vibrant food culture and evident strong social cohesion, coupled with its stunning landscapes and warm hospitality, captured the hearts and palates of the evaluation panel,” the GRC said. “The process undertaken for this Award augurs well for Gozo’s upcoming bid later this year for the European Capital of Culture 2031.”
The jury commented that, “the exceptional food and hospitality found in Gozo, the quality of local products, commitment to traditional methods of food production, the culture and indeed harmony of cultures, arts and crafts make Gozo’s application extremely strong.”
Dr Samuel Azzopardi, President of the Gozo Region, expressed his delight at the news, stating, “Gozo has long been known for its rich gastronomic and cultural heritage. This prestigious Award is a testament to our dedication to preserving our culinary traditions, promoting innovation while remaining authentic, and fostering sustainable growth within the gastronomy sector.”
He went on to say that, “we are immensely proud to be recommended for the European Region of Gastronomy Award 2026. We have every expectation and will continue to persevere in our journey to obtain the Award in June 2024”
The GRC stated that “the awarding of the European Region of Gastronomy title to Gozo will be a cause for celebration not only for the island’s residents but will also shine a spotlight on the island for gastronomy enthusiasts and travellers worldwide.”
“As Gozo prepares to embark on this exciting gastronomic journey, stakeholders, communities, and visitors alike, are invited to join in the celebration and experience the island’s culinary treasures,” it said.
23 projects and programmes designed to cultivate, celebrate and elevate Gozo’s gastronomic identity will be implemented in the years leading up to 2026, promising a strong legacy beyond the Award year.
About the World/European Region of Gastronomy Award
The International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism (IGCAT) is the operative institute that oversees the management and coordination of the World and European Region of Gastronomy Award.
IGCAT said it believes that cross-sectoral collaboration will help regions find solutions to current-day challenges and thus, the Award is not only given because a region has great gastronomy but because the whole region is working together to create a more sustainable food future.
IGCAT encouraged not only hospitality industries to participate but everyone across the whole eco-system including public, private, NGO and academic institutions.
It said that “candidate and awarded 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 practices; and ultimately they contribute to community health and well-being.”
Photo: GRC
