Armenia’s growing commitment to placing gastronomy at the heart of cultural preservation, sustainable territorial development, and community-led economic resilience has led to the country officially joining the World Region of Gastronomy Platform as a candidate for the 2028 Award.
Armenia is the first region from the Caucasus to apply for this international recognition, coordinated by the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism (IGCAT). By entering the Platform, Armenia joins a global network of regions that recognise food and gastronomy as powerful drivers of identity, social cohesion, education, and responsible tourism. As a candidate World Region of Gastronomy 2028, Armenia is committed to working alongside other Platform regions to promote sustainable food systems, strengthen local value chains, support food education and research, empower youth and creative industries, and position gastronomy as a tool for intercultural dialogue and inclusive development.
The candidature was formally consolidated on 5 December, when the stakeholder committee met to officially sign the Memorandum of Understanding, confirming a shared long-term vision and governance framework for the candidature process. Armenia’s candidacy highlights a culinary heritage shaped by millennia of agricultural knowledge, diverse landscapes, and deeply rooted food traditions. From mountain terroirs and foraged ingredients to bread-making, preservation techniques, hospitality rituals, and festive cuisines, Armenian gastronomy embodies a strong connection between land, culture, and community. These foodways continue to play a vital role in sustaining rural livelihoods, intergenerational knowledge transmission, and local identity.
The candidature is supported by a diverse and collaborative stakeholder network, bringing together expertise from environmental action, local governance, tourism, education, and the hospitality sector. Key partners include Green Rock Foundation and Green Rock LLC, advancing sustainability-driven initiatives and territorial development; Dilijan Municipality, supporting local governance and community engagement; Tavush DMO, linking gastronomy with destination management and responsible tourism; the Youth Cooperation Center of Dilijan, fostering youth participation, education, and social innovation; the Association of Restaurateurs and Hoteliers of Armenia, representing the professional food and hospitality sector; and the Russian-Armenian University, contributing academic research, knowledge exchange, and capacity building.
By joining the World Region of Gastronomy Platform, Armenia signals a forward-looking vision that values gastronomy not only as heritage, but as a living system capable of addressing contemporary challenges related to sustainability, education, and territorial cohesion. The 2028 candidature offers an international stage to showcase Armenia’s rich food culture, creativity, and commitment to shaping resilient, inclusive, and future-oriented food systems, while strengthening cooperation across institutions, communities, and the gastronomic sector.
About the World/European Regions of Gastronomy
World Regions of Gastronomy, and European Regions of Gastronomy, guided by IGCAT, are working together to strengthen food security through the celebration of distinctive food cultures; create employment by stimulating creativity and gastronomic innovation; nourish children and adults through culinary and cultural education; driving environmental sustainability in tourism, hospitality and agricultural sectors; supporting balance and sustainable tourism practices; highlighting and supporting expertise from within rural and urban communities, creating connections and sharing good practices; and contributing to community health and well-being.
About IGCAT
International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism (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 Regions of Gastronomy and European Regions of Gastronomy Platforms. Furthermore, the Institute has developed the European Young Chef Award, the World Food Gift Challenge, the Top Foodie Websites and the international Food Film Menu.
