An international jury comprising four experts, accompanied by IGCAT’s President, Diane Dodd, PhD, evaluated the application of the Crete region for the title of European Region of Gastronomy 2026. After reviewing the bid book, Crete: Experience the Gastronomic Magic of Simplicity submitted on December 5, 2023, the jury visited the region from May 27-31, 2024. The purpose of the visit was to assess the region’s suitability and readiness to host the title in 2026. The jury will prepare a comprehensive report with recommendations to support the region’s journey.

During the visit, the jury met with over 60 stakeholders from across the islands, including associations of municipalities, regional government representatives for agriculture, culture and heritage, chefs, academics, business representatives, educators, and local entities concerned with the development and protection of Crete as a gastronomic region. The jury was pleased to engage with so many stakeholders from public, private, third sector, and academic institutions and commended the efforts of all involved in developing strategies and plans for the region.

General comments

The Jury was impressed by how the vision for Crete, Candidate European Region of Gastronomy 2026 is so closely linked with IGCAT’s focus areas and it also noted how that vision has been inspired and reinforced by Ploigos Education and Development Company’s longstanding and far-reaching work in the region. The work of Ploigos has been exceptional in this regard and it provides a clear roadmap for multiple sectors to work together to ensure a sustainable food future for Crete and to contribute to an excellent European Region of Gastronomy.

The Jury applauds the fact that Ploigos for decades has been working to boost local and regional development through research, education and training, bringing different stakeholders together to support small scale food production, Crete’s circular economy and at the same time strengthen the common gastronomic identity of Crete. The jury were happy to note that their philosophy aligns perfectly with IGCAT’s vision.

While the Jury couldn’t visit the whole of Crete, jury members were able to speak to representatives from the Region of Crete and the jury wish to congratulate the Region for their numerous excellent initiatives to safeguard and promote local cuisine.

The jury noted the exceptional work of the Agronutritional Cooperation of the Region of Crete and their ‘Crete – Land of Values’ certification scheme which identifies high quality, healthy local products and supports their availability in local restaurants, hotels and shops.

The Jury also had the opportunity to either visit or meet with representatives from many municipalities, villages and prefectures and wishes to congratulate all for their dedication to gastronomy, quality food and culture, also noting that their current activities and future plans to further elevate local gastronomy, align with the ambitions of the European Region of Gastronomy title.

The jury also acknowledge the excellent work of:

The jury enjoyed seeing how local communities are appreciating, linking and connecting heritage, tangible and intangible, especially those which are promoting the rich inner countryside, the hinterland, of Crete, by developing new economic opportunities, starting from local traditions and recuperating knowledge. This was particularly evident at:

The jury supports the development of events because the linkage to live music, dance and theatre not only supports the performing arts sector in Crete but it provides memorable experiences and a reason to visit. The jury saw and heard about exceptional examples as in:

The jury encourages the development of educational itineraries within Crete and also, with international partners, because these stimulate exchange of knowledge as well as cross-marketing of food destinations, such as:

The jury also used the occasion to express their support for Spinalonga island’s application for UNESCO World Heritage.

A conversation with International Documentary Festival of Ierapetra explored potential collaborations with IGCAT’s International Food Film Menu, aiming to promote Cretan gastronomy through food films.

Finally, the jury noted that their overall experience in the areas of culture, citizen involvement, empowerment, and heritage was one of strong evidence of social cohesion, community empowerment, of women leaders in society and in successful entrepreneurial initiatives, of authenticity – which is strong if you still have it, but once lost will be difficult to retrieve.

The Cretan contemporary way of life is typical of island communities, strong, resilient and persevering and recognising opportunity. The hospitable and evident autonomous identities of its people is a result of it history, its geographic location in the Mediterranean, and its will to forge sustainable social, environmental and economic Cretan futures.

The jury has been hugely impressed by cross-sectoral collaborations with the academic sector to identify, verify and research practical solutions, as witnessed the work of:

The Cretan Diet recognised by research as one of the healthiest diets and the Mediterranean Diet recognised by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage are indeed huge assets.

Research, preservation and promotion of local cuisine and products involves key stakeholders, and the jury was pleased to note that researchers went to the farms.  The importance of the primary sector (farmers and fishermen/women), who shape landscapes and have a key role in preserving the local products & biodiversity are as important as, restaurants, hotels, and consumers (local & tourists).

The jury was deeply impressed by the Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas (FORTH) and Science and Technology Park of Crete (STEP-C), these research hubs are a catalyst for innovation and entrepreneurship, connecting the academic environment and the business sector, offering research services and technology solutions for start-ups and companies in many different sectors. The Jury had the opportunity to hear presentations and visit some of the Foundation’s facilities and labs, witnessing outstanding examples of how scientific research and state-of-the-art technologies can be applied to sustainable agriculture, agrofood, heritage preservation, visitor experiences and tourism. The jury was particularly impressed that school pupils can visit the labs and participate in experiments to encourage future young researchers.

Also, the jury appreciated the work of Agricultural Cooperative of Rethymno and Agroxenia (Union of Agrotourism in Greece).

The jury’s conversations with many experts, researchers and academics covered many important topics and current challenges such as the risks posed by increasingly globalised diets and climate change that can be averted by promoting sustainable agricultural practices, organic farming, conservation of local plant and animal varieties, and revival of traditional food ways and know-how.

The jury noted the Heraklion Hoteliers Association’s efforts to integrate local gastronomy into hotels by offering a Cretan breakfast and connecting guests with local producers through unforgetible memories. The jury wished to thank specifically for the hospitality and generosity during the visit:

All inspiring hospitality businesses that are encouraging and boosting Cretan diet and providing the most tailored and beautiful experiences for everyone. The jury however, singled out Peskesi restaurant, stating that they deserved a special mention as they work for 0 food waste and circular economy, showcasing didactic resources as illustrative graphics for guests. This restaurant clearly understands their educational potential and their role in recovering plant/animal varieties and recipes.  Their attention to detail: concepts, principals, practices, values, service, dishes, food and Maitre d’ were all exceptional!

On this note, the jury wishes to thank all individuals, experts and ambassadors, whose collective efforts have significantly contributed to establishing Crete as an authentic and distinguished European gastronomic destination, listed below in the order the jury met them:

Haris Roditakis, President, Educational Development Company Ploigos

Giorgos Zervos, General Manager, Educational Development Company Ploigos

Eirini Makedona, Project Curator, Educational Development Company Ploigos

Stella Lazari, Project Administrator, Educational Development Company Ploigos

Areti Alexaki, Educational Development Company Ploigos

Iraklis Apladas, Educational Development Company Ploigos

Vaso Kalenti, Educational Development Company Ploigos

Giannis Ktistakis, Educational Development Company Ploigos

Chalient Tachir, Educational Development Company Ploigos

Panagiotis Magganas, owner, Peskesi Restaurant

Michalis Kampitakis, representative, Association of Sultana producers in Crete

Maria Pitsikaki, representative, Cretan Women in Business Association

Menelaos Mpokeas, representative, Regional Union of Municipalities of Crete (PED)

Georgia Milaki, Deputy Governor in the field of Culture and Equality, Region of Crete

Eirini Choudetsanaki, President, Agronutritional Cooperation of the Region of Crete

Sokratis Kefalogiannis, Mayor, Municipality of Anogia, and President, A.K.O.M.M. – Psiloritis Anaptyxiaki S.A. O.T.A. (Developmental Company of Psiloritis)

Evi Vrentzou, Municipality of Anogia

Chrissa Daskalaki, President, Directorate General for Development Programming of Region of Crete

Chara Papailiou, Psiloritis Unesco Global Geopark

Alexandros Κοutalas, General Director, Agricultural Cooperative of Rethymno

Αndreas Kokkinos, owner, The Shepherd’s Shelter (Mitato)

Giorgos Nikolakakis, Associate Professor of Social Anthropology, University of Crete, and member, Crete, candidate European Region of Gastronomy Scientific Committee

Κorina Miliaraki, owner, Haroupomilos (Carob Mill), and Director, “Epimenides” Cultural Society of Panormo,

Charalampos Katerinopoulos, Emeritus Professor of Chemistry, University of Crete, and member, “Epimenides” Cultural Society of Panormo

Katerina Xekalou, owner, Avli Restaurant

Vasilis Leonidou, Chef, Avli Restaurant

Nikos Frantzeskakis, President, Agroxenia (Union of Agrotourism in Greece), Owner of Fabrica Farms & Houses and Ambassador, Crete, candidate European Region of Gastronomy

Lola Frantzeskakis, Fabrica Farms & Houses

Zaharenia Rikounaki, Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Chania (MAICh), and member, Crete, candidate European Region of Gastronomy Scientific Committee

Georios Fakotakis, Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Chania (MAICh), and member, Crete, candidate European Region of Gastronomy Scientific Committee

Nick Skoutelis, Professor, Technical University of Crete

Giannis Androulakis, Deputy Regional Governor, Prefecture of Lasithi

Manousos Pediaditis, Deputy Mayor of Culture, Tourism and Local development, Municipality of Agios Nikolaos

Giorgos Zervakis, Mayor, Municipality of Sitia

Vassilios Raikos, Associate Professor, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics Sciences, Hellenic Mediterranean University (HMU)

Evangelia Bakinda, President, Cretan Women in Business Association

Nikos Fountoulakis, General Manager, Heraklion Hoteliers Association

Nadia Tamiolaki, Vice-President, Heraklion Hoteliers Association

Μaria Simeaki, President, Women Association of Kritsa

Maria Tzortzi, President, “Xobli” Women’s Weaving Cooperative

Odysseas Sgouros, Architect

Eleni Vlasi, Culture Counsellor, Prefecture of Lasithi

Giorgos Papamichail, Director, Science & Technology Park of Crete (STEP-C), and and member, Crete, candidate European Region of Gastronomy Scientific Committee

Asterios Leonidis, Post-doctoral research assistant, Institute of Computer Science

Christos Stratakis, Technical Scientific Personnel, Institute of Computer Science

Panagiotis Sarris, Professor, Institute of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology

Yiannis Kamarianakis, Principal Researcher, Institute of Applied & Computational Mathematics

Michalis Velegrakis, Researcher Emeritus, Institute of Electronic Structure & Laser

Michalis Katharakis, CEO, Mediterranean Agrofood Competence Center (MACC)

Giorgos Agrimanakis, Deputy Mayor of Tourism, Municipality of Heraklion – UNESCO City of Gastronomy 2023

Despoina Dialyna, Municipality of Heraklion – UNESCO City of Gastronomy 2023

Maria Kassotaki, Region of Crete

Stavros Tzedakis, Deputy Governor of Rural Economy, Region of Crete

Eleni Maragkaki, Social – Eco – Cultural Organizations Network of Hersonissos

Katerina Athanasaki, Archaeologist and Head of Department of Exhibitions, Education and Public Relations, Archaeological Museum of Heraklion

Stella Chryssoulaki, Archaeologist and General Director, Archaeological Museum of Heraklion

Theano Vrentzou-Skordalaki, President, Local Management Committee of Asterousia (MAB/Unesco)

Nikos Sofronas, Head, Financial Services Department, Regional Development Fund of Crete

Stavros Arnaoutakis, Governor, Region of Crete

Roxane Vlami, Interpreter

Pefko Cafe at Plaka village

Kanali restaurant

Ligo Krasi, Ligo Thalassa restaurant

Kafeneio Aivaliotis

Olive Green Hotel

Atlantis Hotel

 

The jury wishes to note that the Award will give extra stimulus for the stakeholders to continue and deepen their cooperation; share knowledge and cross-marketing opportunities with other awarded and candidate Regions of Gastronomy, thus providing international visibility.

Recommendation

The jury appreciated that the bid:

The jury agreed that the exceptional food and hospitality found in Crete, the culture and indeed harmony of culture, heritage and well-being makes Crete’s application extremely strong.

Therefore, based on the written application and visit to the region, the jury decided that Crete should be recommended for the title European Region of Gastronomy 2026.

The jury will submit in the coming weeks their recommendations to the region and IGCAT will approve this recommendation at the next IGCAT Advisory Forum scheduled for 26 June 2024.

The jury very much hopes to see preparations unfold for the region’s Award Ceremony this year, which will be an opportunity to share Crete’s food treasures with the world.

Jury composition

Dr. Diane Dodd, IGCAT President accompanied the independent jury to ensure that all financial, governance and legal aspects will ensure a long-term legacy for the region.

The independent jury members were:

Dr Edith M Szivas, IGCAT Vice-President and expert on tourism focussed her attention on creativity, tourism and job opportunities as well as public sector governance;

Davinia Galea, from Gozo, candidate European Region of Gastronomy 2026 and IGCAT Expert on Culture, focussed her attention on culture, citizen engagement, empowerment and heritage initiatives;

Ramon Sentmartí, from Catalonia, European Region of Gastronomy 2016 / World Region of Gastronomy 2025 as well as an IGCAT Ambassador with expertise in in the Agrofood sector, focussed his attention on research, innovation, communication, marketing, legacy and evaluation;

Jaume Gomila, Menorca, a biosphere reserve and European Region of Gastronomy 2022, focussed his attention on environment, hospitality and sustainability.

About the World/ European Region of Gastronomy Award

The International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism (IGCAT) is the operative institute that oversees the management and coordination of the World and European Region of Gastronomy Award. IGCAT believes that cross-sectoral collaboration will help regions find solutions to current day challenges and thus, the Award is not only given because a region has great gastronomy but because the whole region is working together to create a more sustainable food future. IGCAT encourages not only hospitality industries to participate but everyone across the whole eco-system including public, private, NGO and academic institutions.

The first step in applying for the Award is to bring these different entities together. The next stage is to create a bid book that pulls together as many great initiatives as possible so that people within the region themselves can begin to appreciate how rich their resources are. The third stage is a jury visit that concludes with a recommendation for IGCAT Board and a report to help the region in preparing a successful journey.

Candidate and awarded 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; drive environmental sustainability in tourism, hospitality and agricultural sectors; support balance and sustainable tourism practices; highlight and support expertise from within rural and urban communities, creating connections and sharing good practises; and ultimately they contribute to community health and well-being.

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IGCAT - International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism
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