14 amazing food stories from across the globe have delighted an international audience at Slow Food’s Terra Madre – Salone del Gusto event in Turin, which hosted a screening of IGCAT’s International Food Film Menu 2024 on 28 September.
This outstanding collection of short films highlighting local gastronomy and food sustainability sparked enthusiasm and interest in the World Region of Gastronomy Award and Platform among the attending viewers.
Thereafter, President of IGCAT, Dr. Diane Dodd, held a Q&A session to explain the values and principles behind the initiative, enticing new regions to join our global movement for a better food future.
Strengthening International Partnerships
Besides strengthening the partnership with Slow Food International, the Food Film Menu projection offered IGCAT the opportunity to experience the global flavours of Terra Madre – Salone del Gusto (26-30 September 2024). Attendees browsed extraordinary stands featuring inspiring food producers who are safeguarding traditional food production, culinary innovations, and thought-provoking concepts.
Among them was the remarkable Escape Room in a Box initiative. Developed within the EU co-funded BEAUTIFOOD project and led by Slow Food, it focused on sustainable food choices. This exciting and creative experience engaged visitors in meaningful discussions about responsible food consumption and its environmental and health impacts.
Global Food Heritage in Action
Another standout feature of Terra Madre was the work presented by the Culinary Arts Commission of the Ministry of Culture of Saudi Arabia. Over the past two years, they have recovered dozens of endangered plant varieties, significantly contributing to the Slow Food Ark of Taste. Their vibrant stand featured traditional Saudi dishes, Saudi coffee, and dates, accompanied by beautiful music, exemplifying the cultural richness of the Aseer Region — the first World Region of Gastronomy 2024.
IGCAT also applauded the Food Atlas initiative, developed by Saudi Arabia in partnership with UNESCO, aimed at collecting and codifying food traditions worldwide to safeguard them for future generations.
Celebrating European Regions of Gastronomy
Terra Madre featured strong participation from Italian regions, especially from Sicily, awarded European Region of Gastronomy 2025. Producers showcased remarkable local products with support from DOS Sicilia.
A highlight was the LOST-EU project, led by Piedmont’s Alte Terre Association, which enhances visibility of eight PDO cheeses from five Italian regions, including Sicily’s Vastedda della Valle del Belice PDO and Pecorino Siciliano PDO.
Special mentions go to:
- Piedmont Region: Offered tastings of high-quality local products and promoted initiatives like the Distretto del Cibo del Roero, which supports short food value chains.
- Toscana Region: Brought Tuscan cuisine to life through a menu celebrating local ingredients, regional traditions, and slow food values.
A Sweet Ending
IGCAT’s adventure at Terra Madre ended on a sweet note with the surprising flavours of To’ak chocolate. This Ecuadorian company is committed to reviving an ancient cacao variety and restoring forests on degraded agricultural land.
A Note of Recognition
IGCAT congratulates Slow Food on another successful edition of Terra Madre – Salone del Gusto, especially applauding their support for lesser economically developed countries. Their wide representation brought extraordinary products and stories that reinforce the importance of food heritage and sustainability.
About the European Region of Gastronomy
Candidate and awarded Regions of Gastronomy from Europe, guided by IGCAT, are working together to raise awareness about the importance of their cultural and food uniqueness; stimulate creativity and gastronomic innovation; educate for better nutrition; improve sustainable tourism standards; highlight distinctive food cultures; and strengthen community well-being.
About IGCAT
IGCAT aims to empower local communities by raising awareness of the importance of protecting and promoting distinct regional food, culture, arts and natural assets as part of sustainable and balanced tourism and development strategies. This is essential to safeguarding our planet, health, wellness and local economies.
IGCAT is a non-profit institute established in 2012, working with regional stakeholder consortiums in the fields of gastronomy, culture, arts and tourism. It counts on the expertise of a worldwide network of experts and works in partnership with specialised intergovernmental organisations.
IGCAT founded the World/European Region of Gastronomy Award and is the official secretariat for the World/European Regions of Gastronomy Platforms. Furthermore, the Institute has developed the European Young Chef Award, the World Food Gift Challenge, the Top Websites for Foodie Travelers Award and the international Food Film Menu.
