The Regional Committee for Dobrogea’s candidacy for the title of European Region of Gastronomy 2029—comprising the National Union of Romanian Employers – South-East Region (UNPR-RSE), Năvodari City Hall, “Regina Maria” National College of Arts in Constanța, and Kirvad Tour—officially announced the submission of its candidacy and presented the next steps in this initiative, which has a strategic impact on the region’s sustainable development. The project was initiated by UNPR-RSE and is supported through a strong inter-institutional partnership.
The four members of the Regional Committee have officially signed the collaboration protocol for Dobrogea’s candidacy, alongside the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism (IGCAT). This partnership brings together key actors from the public, private, educational, and civil society sectors, reflecting a shared commitment to promoting Dobrogea’s gastronomic, cultural, and tourism values.
Who is the project initiator?
The candidacy is initiated and coordinated by UNPR-RSE in partnership with:
The protocol signatories are:
- Daniel Constantin Moraru, President of UNPR-RSE – project initiator
- Florin Chelaru, Mayor of Năvodari
- Anca Iuliana Dragomir, Director of “Regina Maria” National College of Arts
- Daniel Tiberiu Vadineanu, Administrator of Kirvad Tour
- Dr. Dianne Dodd, President of IGCAT
Why is Dobrogea applying?
Dobrogea is unique in the European landscape—a space of ethnic, cultural, and gastronomic diversity, nestled between the Danube and the Black Sea. Home to over 15 ethnic groups, its culinary heritage symbolizes harmony and living tradition.
▶ Dobrogea’s candidacy represents a historic opportunity to transform this heritage into a competitive advantage—in tourism, hospitality, agriculture, and education.
▶ The title brings international visibility, investment, economic growth, and the strengthening of a genuine regional identity.
“We take on the role of regional initiator and coordinator in this strategic project. Dobrogea has all the ingredients to become a European reference point for sustainable gastronomy, and this candidacy marks the beginning of a shared effort, by and for the local community.” — Daniel Constantin Moraru, President of UNPR-RSE
Why 2029?
Because Harghita will hold the title in 2027 and Banat has already applied for 2028, Dobrogea aims for the European Region of Gastronomy 2029 title.
What is IGCAT and why does this title matter?
IGCAT – the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts, and Tourism – is an elite international organization founded in 2012. It brings together experts, universities, opinion leaders, and European institutions to support regions that valorize their gastronomic and cultural identity sustainably and innovatively.
The title of European Region of Gastronomy aims to:
- enhance food security
- stimulate local economies
- promote culinary and cultural education
- support balanced, sustainable tourism
This recognition is awarded based on a comprehensive application, evaluated by an international jury of experts in tourism, gastronomy, education, and sustainable development.
Awarded regions join a collaborative platform to develop strategic projects with global visibility, supported by organizations such as the European Commission, UNESCO, Lonely Planet, National Geographic, and BBC Good Food.
This title is a mark of excellence, a tool for regional development, and a means to attract tourists, investments, and international visibility, all rooted in the region’s authentic local identity.
Examples of awarded regions:
Catalonia (Spain – 2016), Sibiu (Romania – 2019), Kuopio (Finland – 2020), Sicily (Italy – 2025), Gozo (Malta – 2026), Harghita (Romania – 2027).
Full list here.
International visibility – Dobrogea represented in Sicily (2025 European Region of Gastronomy)
In May 2025, Teodora Moraru and Carmen Ispas, UNPR-RSE representatives, participated in the 29th meeting of the World Regions of Gastronomy Platform, held in Sicily, the 2025 European Region of Gastronomy. This annual event brings together representatives from candidate and awarded regions for collaboration, idea exchange, and international promotion.
The Dobrogea delegation attended working sessions on sustainable gastronomic tourism, promotion of local products, and the development of regional cultural projects—valuable learning and networking opportunities.
Participation in the 2025 World Food Gift Challenge
One key highlight was Dobrogea’s participation in IGCAT’s World Food Gift Challenge 2025, a competition that honors outstanding artisanal food products that reflect a region’s cultural identity.
Dobrogea presented four traditional products:
- Moș Iosif – A gift pack of traditional artisanal cured meats like Tatar ghiudem, babic, smoked duck breast, and beef pastrami, celebrating cultural diversity.
- Dobrodulce – A handcrafted set from the Danube Delta including 100% natural acacia and linden honey, a beeswax candle, and a handmade bulrush basket—a tribute to nature, sustainability, and local roots.
- Darie Wines – Two emblematic wines: Cuvée Ruxandra, a mature white with peach and vanilla notes, and Străbun Fetească Neagră, a deep red with black cherry and wild herb aromas.
- Techir – Food for Skin – A handcrafted skincare set with natural ingredients like Techirghiol’s therapeutic mud and saline water, goat’s milk, and honey—offering regenerative benefits inspired by Dobrogea’s natural riches.
🏆 “Moș Iosif” – Winner of the “Best Tasting” Award
At the 2025 World Food Gift Challenge organized by IGCAT, the “Moș Iosif” gift pack won the “Best Tasting” award for its exceptional selection of artisanal cured meats, celebrating Dobrogea’s multicultural culinary heritage.
Next steps in the project:
- Drafting the candidacy dossier (bid book) – Deadline: May 2026
- Active involvement of local stakeholders and organizing cultural/gastronomic events
- Official visit from the international IGCAT jury to the region
Call to the community: Dobrogea needs you!
This ambitious initiative is not just about institutions, but about every Dobrogean who wants to contribute to the promotion of their region.
➡ Local producers
➡ Gastronomic festival organizers
➡ Educational institutions
➡ Hospitality and tourism operators
➡ Cultural and minority communities
Everyone is invited to join this historic project for Dobrogea.
📞 Information & Contact
For more information on the project and how you can get involved, visit:
www.dobrogeagastronomicregion.com
office@unpr-rse.ro
