CThis year, Catalonia holds the distinction of World Region of Gastronomy. It is the first European region to receive this recognition, which confirms the consolidation of an innovative and regenerative tourism model where Catalonia’s gastronomic revolution goes far beyond restaurants, opening the doors to discovering the territory and its unique local food production.
The World Region of Gastronomy is an initiative driven by the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts, and Tourism (IGCAT). This title aims to highlight and promote regions that actively contribute to improving the quality of life of citizens by valuing diverse food cultures, education for health and sustainability, and gastronomic innovation. It is an award that brings credibility to the regions, as it is granted by an independent and international jury of experts composed of professionals from various fields, such as tourism, culture, hospitality, and agriculture.
A Gastronomic Cocktail Kicks Off the World Region of Gastronomy 2025 Events
On January 22, the Royal Tapestry Factory in Madrid hosted an event that brought together more than 350 attendees, including tour operators, business and cultural representatives, opinion leaders, media, and influencers, to highlight the uniqueness and excellence of Catalonia’s gastronomy.
The restaurants Cocina Hermanos Torres and Les Cols were responsible for showcasing the thriving Catalan gastronomic scene, preparing dishes made with local, seasonal products. The renowned pastry chef Oriol Balaguer added a sweet touch to the evening, while Catalonia’s Best Sommelier of 2024, Marta Cortizas, provided a perfect pairing with wines from Familia Torres.
Catalan Chefs Present the World Region of Gastronomy at Fitur 2025
On January 23, at Fitur 2025, Javier and Sergio Torres (Cocina Hermanos Torres), Fina Puigdevall and Martina Puigvert (Les Cols), pastry master Oriol Balaguer, and Marta Cortizas, sommelier at El Celler de Can Roca, discussed what Catalonia’s recognition as the World Region of Gastronomy means and the legacy it should leave behind.
Their vision is to position Catalonia on the global map as a region that seamlessly blends flavor, history, and innovation while maintaining a deep respect for the land and its people—shaping an exciting future for Catalan gastronomy.
Catalonia Hosts the First International Wine Tourism Forum
On February 5, the First International Wine Tourism Forum took place as part of the Barcelona Wine Week 2025 (BWW) at Fira de Barcelona. This inaugural edition, held within the framework of the World Region of Gastronomy 2025, showcased globally renowned wine tourism projects, aiming to inspire innovation in Catalonia’s wine tourism offerings.
The event featured a talk on the international perspective of wine tourism, followed by four sessions focused on Bordeaux, Porto, Georgia, and China as key case studies. A panel of 15 international speakers participated, and the forum was led by Lluís Tolosa, a sociologist specializing in wine tourism.
More than 150 attendees took part in this first edition, marking a milestone in Catalonia’s commitment to advancing and redefining wine tourism.
An international jury rules in favor of the Catalan candidacy
During May 2023, an international jury visited different food and tourism related experiences to witness first-hand the potential of the candidacy.
The jury valued, among other aspects, the dedication and professionalism of the people from the sector and their commitment to constantly progress. On the other hand, they considered that few places could compare to Catalonia due to its first-class cuisine, where the fusion of flavours and the exceptional nature of its produce allow for a unique experience. Lastly, they emphasised that the landscapes are a testament to the compromise of the Catalan regions with quality, sustainability, tradition and innovation.
On 6 June 2023, IGCAT’s president, Diane Dodd, announced that Catalonia was selected to receive this distinction.
European Region of Gastronomy 2016
In 2016, Catalonia was awarded the European Region of Gastronomy distinction. On that occasion, more than 500 organisations, agents and people who worked to promote Catalan gastronomy held over 500 activities of different sizes and nature related to the produce, cuisine and landscapes.
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