South Aegean Announces Candidacy for ‘European Region of Gastronomy 2019’ Title

South Aegean Region Governor Giorgos Hatzimarkos and IGCAT President Dr. Diane Dodd (center) during the International Food and Agribusiness Management Association (IFAMA) annual conference in Aarhus, Denmark.

The Region of the South Aegean has announced that it will be a candidate for the “European Region of Gastronomy 2019” title, an important initiative that will highlight and give international visibility to the quality food offer of the Aegean islands.

The region’s candidacy was announced on Tuesday by the Governor of the South Aegean Region, Giorgos Hatzimarkos, during the International Food and Agribusiness Management Association (IFAMA) annual conference in Aarhus, Denmark.

A key aim of the European Region of Gastronomy award is to contribute to a better quality of life in European regions, by highlighting distinctive food cultures, educating for better health and sustainability and stimulating gastronomic innovation.

The award is organised by a platform of European Regions with the support of European institutions and co-ordinated by the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism (IGCAT), an international interdisciplinary network of experts aiming to empower and facilitate local communities to realise the potential of their distinct food, culture, arts, sustainable tourism and other local resources.

During the IFAMA event, IGCAT’s president, Dr. Diane Dodd, complimented the work already achieved by the South Aegean Region in terms of branding and exporting products. She said looked forward to see how the islands of the South Aegean could become more self-sufficient and thus sustainable in terms of food supply in the future.

According to Mr Hatzimarkos, due to the candidacy, the South Aegean’s gastronomy will be at the center of international interest for at least three years, through a series of actions, which will mobilize the entire local community.

The deadline for the South Aegean Region to submit its application file for the “Gastronomy Region of Europe 2019” title is on July 30.