Region of Crete to be named a European Gastronomy Region 2026

The Region of Crete has been selected to host the title of European Region of Gastronomy 2026 by the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism (IGCAT). The title is to be announced in a ceremony to be held on Wednesday, October 9. It is a distiction of symbolic and practical value, according to the regional governor of Crete Stavros Arnaoutakis, as through it "the distinct identity of the island is strengthened, as it has been formed through time and through gastronomy and quality agri-food products". "It is an award that makes us proud", Arnaoutakis said, speaking to the Athens-Macedonian News Agency, while adding that "the thorough preparation of the nomination and the cooperation with the local bodies brought the result we expected. We continue as the Gastronomic Region of Europe in 2026, with the aim of highlighting the Cretan food standard on the world map of gastronomy".