From September 24–26, 2025, Dobrogea, together with representatives from over 30 awarded and candidate gastronomic regions, took part in IGCAT’s 30th Platform Meeting of the World Regions of Gastronomy, hosted in Catalonia, European Region of Gastronomy 2016 and World Region of Gastronomy 2025.
The three-day programme gathered international experts, regional coordinators and cultural leaders to explore how food and gastronomy can drive sustainability, education and cultural exchange. For Dobrogea, a candidate for the title of European Region of Gastronomy 2029, this experience was both a learning journey and a moment of affirmation, a chance to strengthen its voice within the IGCAT global network and to draw inspiration from regions that have successfully turned gastronomy into a tool for community growth and innovation.
Day 1 – Creativity and Innovation
The meeting began with a visit to elBulli1846, guided by Lluis Garcia, General Director of El Bulli Foundation, where delegates discovered the legacy of Ferran Adrià and Juli Soler and how elBullifoundation continues to nurture creativity and culinary innovation.
An official welcome followed at Celler La Vinyeta, with opening remarks by Dr. Diane Dodd (IGCAT President), Laura Ruana (Government of Catalonia) and Bea Nubiola (Catalan Tourism Board). Delegates then toured the winery and enjoyed a dinner introduced by Josep Serra i Pla and Marta Pedra, discovering La Vinyeta’s pioneering model of sustainability and circular farming.
Day 2 – Educating and Imagining Our Food Future
The second day opened at the Palamós Fishing Museum, a landmark of maritime heritage and sustainable fishing practices. The conversation on Inspiring Spaces, moderated by Omar Valdez (Andorra), featured diverse contributions from regions across the world from Florida and Harghita to Oman and New Zealand.
Later, at Celler Abadal, delegates explored Catalonia’s wine heritage and joined the Conversation on Regenerative Tourism and Food Heritage, moderated by Wendy Barrie (Scottish Food Guide, UK). Discussions highlighted the essential role of gastronomy in connecting communities, supporting biodiversity and building responsible tourism models.
The day concluded with a visit to the Monastery of Sant Benet, a Benedictine site transformed into a cultural hub bridging history, gastronomy and innovation, followed by a four-course dinner at Mas de la Sala Hotel, where guests tasted authentic Catalan flavours.
Day 3 – Good Food for Everyone
The final day began at the Alícia Foundation, guided by Toni Massanés, where participants learned about food innovation, health and inclusivity. The Conversation on Good Food for Everyone, moderated by Ivana Vladović (Central Dalmatia, European Region of Gastronomy 2026), brought together voices from Catalonia, South Aegean, Jamaica, Nigeria and Norway all united by a common goal: access to healthy, culturally rich and sustainable food for all.
Delegates later visited El Soler de n’Hug Farm, exploring sustainable livestock practices and learned about “Welcome to the Farm” (Benvinguts a Pagès): an inspiring initiative that connects citizens with local producers.
The meeting concluded at Can Calopa, an urban winery and social project in Barcelona, where participants reflected on lessons learned and shared commitments for the future.
Inspiration and Collaboration for Dobrogea’s Journey
For Dobrogea, participation in this international forum was an invaluable opportunity to engage directly with other regions that are shaping the global dialogue around food, culture and sustainability. The exchange of ideas and best practices, from creative gastronomy to education and rural regeneration, will directly inform the region’s upcoming initiatives as part of its candidacy for the European Region of Gastronomy 2029.
As Dr. Diane Dodd, IGCAT President, emphasized, “cross-sectoral collaboration and shared learning are at the heart of the World Regions of Gastronomy movement.”
In this spirit, Dobrogea continues to learn from inspiring examples such as Harghita- European Region of Gastronomy 2027 and Banat- candidate for 2028, strengthening Romania’s collective presence in the international gastronomic community.
A Shared Vision for the Future
The 30th Platform Meeting reaffirmed the importance of learning exchanges and immersive experiences in shaping a shared vision for sustainable food futures.
For Dobrogea, this experience marks another step forward in building bridges between cultures, communities, regions and in promoting gastronomy not only as nourishment, but as an expression of identity, creativity and belonging.
🌿 Dobrogea’s journey toward the title of European Region of Gastronomy 2029 continues, inspired by collaboration, guided by tradition and fuelled by the belief that food connects us all.
