23 February 2022 – The four best food and craft gifts of Menorca, European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2022 were selected to represent the region at IGCAT’s World Food Gift Challenge 2022, to be held on the island on 7 April.
The World Food Gift Challenge is an annual international competition that awards local craftsmanship related to food from the European and World Regions of Gastronomy. This year, Menorca will participate in the contest with two food gifts and two craft gifts related to food, namely: Saffron Island Gin by producer Omar Zola (iSafrà); Cinc sabors de Menorca (5 flavours of Menorca) by producer Miquel Àngel Anglada (Mel i Untis); Devantal i pedaç de cuina (Apron and kitchen cloth) by dye artisan Turid L. Tarabay (Bona Soca); Estoig de ganivets (Knife case) by leather artisan Lorena Martí (Illenk).
The four products stood out in a local competition that gathered a total of 13 gifts manufactured by 11 local artisans and producers – 3 products and 5 producers more than last year’s edition.
The selection was made by a local jury including: Pilar Vinent, representing Menorca, European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2022; Santi Capo, from the association Arteme; Magda Triay, from the association Entremans; Miquel Pons and Tolo Mercadal, with expertise in the design and agrifood sectors; and Quim Salort, coordinator of the Menorca Craft Centre who acted as secretary.
The panel evaluated the gifts based on different aspects such as their presentation, the ingredients or raw materials and techniques used, and their added value in terms of uniqueness, tradition and innovation. A hard choice, as the jury members acknowledged the top quality of all the products presented in the competition.
The four winners were announced at a press conference by President of the Island Council of Menorca, Susana Mora, who stressed how the successful performance of Menorca’s products in the European Food Gift Challenge 2021 encouraged an increased participation in this year’s contest.
The local competition was held on 17 February 2022 and promoted by the Fundació Foment del Turisme de Menorca with the support of the Menorca Craft Centre and coordination of Menorca, European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2022.
About the World Food Gift Challenge
The World Food Gift Challenge is a competition organised by IGCAT to award and give international visibility to high quality, artisanal food and food-related crafts gifts from the European and World Regions of Gastronomy.
The World Food Gift Challenge 2022 will take place in Menorca, European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2022 on 7 April.
About the European/World Regions of Gastronomy
Candidate and awarded European/World 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 contribute to community health and well-being.
About IGCAT
IGCAT aims to empower local communities by raising awareness of the importance to protect and promote distinct regional food, culture, arts and natural assets as part of sustainable and balanced tourism and development strategies. This is essential to safeguard 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 European and World Region of Gastronomy Award and is the official secretariat for the World and European Regions of Gastronomy Platforms. Furthermore, the Institute has developed the European Young Chef Award, the World Food Gift Challenge, the Top Websites for Foodie Travelers Award and the Food Film Menu.