World region of gastronomy
Protecting, promoting and connecting unique food cultures to empower communities, drive innovation, improve well-being, and heal the planet. In doing so, we:
Showcase culinary heritage and stimulate local innovation
Empower communities through food education and cultural exchange
Foster sustainable tourism experiences
Strengthen local economies by supporting small producers and food artisans
Promote healthier lifestyles and environmental stewardship through food
Help regions affected by crises, such as natural disasters, to recover
IGCAT International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism
IGCAT provides the Award with the support of international institutions. The regions join a World Platform of awarded and candidate Regions of Gastronomy in order to foster long-term benefits, increase international visibility and share knowledge.
WORLD REGIONS OF GASTRONOMY
Want to Become a World Region of Gastronomy?
OUR AMBASSADORS
Votausi Mackenzie-Reur
"Having dedicated much of my life to advocating for the protection of our food supply and preserving the nutrients of our local food culture in contemporary diets, I am thrilled to support Vanuatu’s nomination for World Region of Gastronomy 2027."
Chef Joan Roca
“It is with great pride that I support Catalonia as the World Region of Gastronomy 2025, a region blessed with an extraordinary richness and diversity of food products. As a chef, I value the highest quality ingredients, and I am pleased to see growing recognition of the essential role that our food producers play in promoting ecological balance and sustainability.”
Orazio Bellettine
"For hundreds of years, the families of this land have gathered around the manabita oven to prepare food and to pass on, from generation to generation, the traditions that have shaped our identity. The FUEGOS Foundation is pleased to be part of the Committee of Manabí’s candidacy as World Region of Gastronomy 2026."
Mayada Badr
"This Award is not just an acknowledgment of Aseer’s gastronomic excellence but also a recognition of its people’s enduring relationship with their land, their innovative spirit in sustainable agriculture, and their unwavering commitment to community and cultural preservation.”
Become a Patron
To ensure global equity, IGCAT seeks visionary sponsors and partners to help bring this initiative to regions that may otherwise not have the resources to participate, because every region deserves a chance to shine.
World Food Gift Challenge
International competition awarding the best artisanal food and food-related craft gifts from our members, giving international visibility to small- and medium-sized producers and preserving traditions while fostering innovation and sustainability.
Food Film Menu
Annual competition selecting short films that showcase regional food cultures and traditions from around the world. Through incredible food stories, filmmakers capture the unique relationship between food, heritage, and local identity.
Top Foodie Websites
This award recognizes innovative and impactful online platforms that empower local communities and promote sustainability through unique cultural and gastronomic experiences while preserving cultural and culinary traditions.
News & Updates
Manabí recommended for the title of World Region of Gastronomy 2026
An international jury, composed of four international experts and accompanied by the president of IGCAT, Diane Dodd PhD, has considered the candidacy of the Manabí
Vanuatu signs protocol for World Region of Gastronomy 2027 candidacy
In a landmark moment for Vanuatu, the Global Regenerative Agritourism Symposium saw the signing of a protocol to support Vanuatu’s candidacy for the World Region of Gastronomy
World Regions of Gastronomy build stronger connections at their 27th meeting
14 international guests from 11 awarded and candidate regions gathered in Aseer, World Region of Gastronomy, awarded 2024, to celebrate the 27th World Regions of Gastronomy Platform meeting,
