Last January, Catalonia presented its candidacy to be the World Region of Gastronomy in 2025. This week the verdict was announced, and Catalonia has won this award, being the first European region to win this distinction.
The jury has taken into account the dedication and professionalism of the people related to the field, as well as their willingness to constantly progress. In addition, they highlight that Catalonia has a first-class cuisine, where the fusion of flavors and excellent raw materials provide a unique gastronomic experience. Also, the landscapes of the Catalan regions are testimony to their commitment to quality, sustainability, tradition and innovation.
The Minister of Business and Work, Roger Torrent, and the Secretary of Food of the Generalitat, Carmel Mòdol, have announced the decision of the international jury at the Palau Robert after evaluating the Catalan candidacy. During the announcement, they were accompanied by important professionals in Catalan gastronomy.
Joan Roca, as a representative of the chefs, has mentioned the "extraordinary wealth of products and talent" that exists in Catalonia. «In such a small territory there are forty-one restaurants with one, eight with two and four with three. You don't know how they envy us in the world. And soon Disfrutar will be at the top of the world» assures Joan Roca.
Joan Roca assured that it will be beneficial for small producers and the culinary industry that Catalonia has been named a World Region of Gastronomy. The chef believes that this recognition will value traditional cuisine, which has been essential for the growth and success of Catalan gastronomy. For Roca, Catalan gastronomy has its own identity that sets it apart from other gastronomies in the world.
The objective of the World Region of Gastronomy is to strengthen and promote regions that improve the quality of life of citizens. This initiative gives value to the different food cultures, education for health and sustainability, and gastronomic innovation.
The Generalitat has decided to allocate nine million euros to promote new initiatives to consolidate Catalan gastronomy as one of the most important in the world, without a doubt this award is bringing positive and immediate effects. One of the initiatives will be the "International Week of the World Region of Gastronomy", which will take place in the main cities of the Catalan Government. This initiative will have a multitude of activities; promotions at points of sale and restaurants, wine tastings, cultural evenings, debates, food and wine experiences and chef exchanges.
There will also be an event called Àpat Catalonia, a massive dinner in a public place in the city of Barcelona, similar to a major festival. The most important dishes and recipes of Catalan gastronomy will be served at this dinner.
Som Gastronomy 2025
The Generalitat is already working to ensure that the World Wine Tourism Conference is held in Catalonia, and to carry out Som Gastronomía 2025 in parallel. This event presents the main food and wine tourism source markets in Catalonia.
In 2016, Catalonia obtained the title of European Region of Gastronomy. During that year, more than five hundred entities, agents and people dedicated to promoting Catalan gastronomy carried out around more than four hundred activities related to the product, the cuisine and the region. These activities included gastronomic events, promotions of local products, culinary events, educational activities and various initiatives to highlight the richness and diversity of Catalan gastronomy. The title of European Region of Gastronomy made it possible to further promote the culinary heritage of Catalonia both nationally and internationally.
