The Food Capitals by Délice Network and the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism (IGCAT) are proud to announce their new partnership, aiming to strengthen global collaborations between cities and regions that share common values around food, gastronomy tourism, and sustainability
Jessica Ferey, Executive Director of The Food Capitals network and Dr. Diane Dodd, President of IGCAT, recently met in Barcelona, Spain to sign the partnership agreement and officially launch the collaborations.
By joining forces, both organizations will work to increase mutual visibility, open doors for collaborative projects, and foster initiatives that champion food heritage, sustainable practices, and cultural exchange. Through this alliance, cities and regions across the globe will benefit from expanded networking opportunities and access to inspiring international programs.
Dr. Diane Dodd, President of IGCAT, commented:
"IGCAT is proud to embark on this exciting collaboration with The Food Capitals by Délice, uniting our strengths to champion the connections between urban and rural communities. Together, we will celebrate the richness of local food cultures, promote sustainable development, and work across sectors to address the challenges facing our food and cultural systems. This partnership reflects our shared vision for more inclusive, creative, and sustainable futures.”
Jessica Ferey, Executive Director of The Food Capitals, added:
"We are thrilled to launch this partnership with IGCAT to foster greater cooperation among cities and regions to amplify local initiatives, promote international best practices, and strengthen the role of food and gastronomy in building more sustainable and resilient communities."
Together, The Food Capitals and IGCAT believe in the power of gastronomy to tell stories, connect communities, and foster a more sustainable world where well-being and quality of life are central to the future of our cities and regions.
As a first collaborative action, The Food Capitals is delighted to highlight IGCAT’s Food Film Menu 2025 competition. This international call invites filmmakers from around the world to submit short films that celebrate food cultures, traditions, and sustainable gastronomy practices.
Up to 14 outstanding short films will be selected to form the Food Film Menu, each highlighting the deep connections between food, heritage, and local identity. Winning entries will be showcased internationally through IGCAT’s platform, social media, and partner networks.
The competition is open to professional and amateur filmmakers, with a deadline for submissions set for 27 June 2025. Films should creatively explore themes such as regenerative tourism, biodiversity, culinary traditions, food education, innovation, and heritage. Members of The Food Capitals are strongly encouraged to participate by sharing their unique food stories with the world.
For full submission details, visit www.igcat.org or contact communications@igcat.org.
IGCAT is a non-profit organisation established in 2012 working in the interdisciplinary fields of gastronomy, culture, arts, tourism and other related sectors (including agriculture, education and health). Through its worldwide network of experts, IGCAT aims to empower local communities by raising awareness of the importance to safeguard and promote distinct food, culture, arts and sustainable tourism assets. IGCAT provides the European and World Region of Gastronomy Award and is the official secretariat for the World and European Region 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.
More info: www.igcat.org
The Food Capitals by Délice Network is a French non-profit organization created in 2007 by the City of Lyon. It is an international network of cities united by the shared ambition to learn, share, and connect around food and gastronomy. The network's work revolves around three core pillars: promoting the food sector as a tool for attractiveness and economic development; fostering food culture as an integral part of city identity and social cohesion; and developing sustainable food policies to enhance citizens' well-being and environmental protection. The Food Capitals provide a platform for cities to exchange strategies, share best practices, and build collective intelligence.
More info: www.thefoodcapitals.com
