Spain Launches Ambitious Global Gastronomy Plan to Boost Culinary Influence
Spain’s Minister of Agriculture and Food, Luis Planas, unveiled the groundbreaking International Plan of Spanish Gastronomy on Monday – a strategic initiative to position the nation’s cuisine as a global benchmark. This comprehensive action forms part of Spain’s National Food Strategy (ENA) and aims to leverage the country’s culinary heritage as both an economic driver and cultural ambassador.
Ten-Point Strategy for Global Culinary Leadership
“We’re reinforcing Spain’s international leadership in gastronomy through coordinated efforts that build on existing strengths,” Planas declared during the presentation. Developed with input from over 100 culinary experts, the plan features ten concrete measures designed to create tangible impact.
The strategy includes establishing a global training hub for Spanish gastronomy that will standardize culinary education worldwide. Simultaneously, efforts will focus on increasing international recognition for Spain’s iconic ingredients and dishes through strategic commercial opportunities, making Spanish pantry staples more accessible to global kitchens.
UNESCO Recognition for Tapas Culture
A significant cultural initiative involves pursuing UNESCO designation for Spain’s tapa tradition as Intangible Cultural Heritage. “While the importance of tapas is evident to Spaniards, we must systematically demonstrate its cultural significance to achieve this prestigious recognition,” Planas explained, noting the tourism benefits such designation would bring.
Unifying Spain’s Culinary Diversity
The plan addresses Spain’s regional culinary variations through creation of a unified gastronomic country brand. “Our strength lies in both our diversity and our cohesion,” Planas emphasized. “We need a common framework that celebrates territorial differences while presenting a cohesive national identity.”
Government and Industry Collaboration
Miguel Sanz Castedo, Director General of Turespaña, stressed the cross-governmental importance: “Gastronomy must become a State priority.” The strategy aligns with broader efforts to reposition Spanish products internationally, moving beyond perceptions of being simply affordable to emphasizing exceptional quality.
José Miguel Herrero, General Director of Food, emphasized the plan’s adaptability: “This is a living document, open to evolving with new gastronomic developments.” The Ministry will announce implementation specifics for 2024 measures in coming weeks.
Industry experts view this coordinated approach as essential for Spain to capitalize on its UNESCO-recognized Mediterranean Diet and 250+ protected food products. With gastronomy contributing €200 billion annually to Spain’s economy according to ICEX data, the plan seeks to amplify this impact through strategic international promotion.
Source: Diario de Ibiza
Images Credit: www.diariodeibiza.es