The process of candidacy of continues. This title would represent historical recognition and will boost the 'Made in Italy' label.
Italian Food (Hopefully) Goes to UNESCO
The exciting project was launched in 2020 by La Cucina Italiana magazine, the agencies Spoon Group and BIA, the Italian Ministry of Culture's Central Institute for Intangible Heritage, and the National Association of Italian Municipalities (ANCI). The effort aims to promote Italian culinary biodiversity. There are also international stars of Italian cuisine among the promoters, such as chef Massimo Bottura and many other distinguished colleagues. The goal is to achieve the ambitious UNESCO certification as an intangible heritage of humanity.
"We have embarked upon a great adventure: bringing Italy together and achieving widespread international recognition," says on her magazine Maddalena Fossati Dondero, Editor-in-Chief of La Cucina Italiana. "This is an excellent opportunity to join forces to achieve a single objective, while at the same time discovering the universes of the great masters of our cuisine, which is the epitome of our identity and culture, but also the entire supply chain behind it: in a word, our territory."
Why Italian Cuisine Deserves This Recognition
We have numerous monuments, sites, and exceptional art recognized by UNESCO, now is time to add Italian cuisine! We would be biased, but who can doubt that Italian cuisine is one of the most relevant globally?
First of all, there are already two illustrious representatives of Italian goodness in the UNESCO lists. The Mediterranean Diet (based on the traditional cuisines of Italy, Greece, Spain, and other countries on the Mediterranean Sea) is listed on UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage and Humanity. The foundation of this healthy food plan is based on olive oil, whole grains, vegetables, legumes, fruits, nuts, seeds, and herbs. Fish, dairy, and poultry are incorporated in moderation; sugars and red meats are included sporadically.
UNESCO also listed Naples' trademark technique of pizza making as one of the world's Intangible Cultural Heritage.
It is time for Italian cuisine to become a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage in its entirety and complexity. This recognition would allow the valorization of Italian eno-gastronomy. Italy offers excellent products, recipes, and local traditions. After all, the strength of Italian cuisine is its respect for traditions without forgetting innovation and sustainability. According to experts, there is an excellent chance that we will cross this finish line. We can't wait, can you?
