European Region of Gastronomy
North Savo and Kuopio is Europe's Tastiest Region in 2020-21
The internationally esteemed European Region of Gastronomy Award is given to one or more regions each year. The Award is the first of its kind in Finland, of which North Savo can be justly proud. When the Award was given to North Savo, one of the reasons was that the region has been a closely guarded secret and it's high time it was revealed to others!
In the context of the ERG Award, the culinary tourism and high-quality foods and services of North Savo will be put in the spotlight both nationally and internationally.
European Region of Gastronomy status can be compared to the better known City of Culture title, the difference being that besides developing a broad range of culture, the Award promotes events, agriculture, training and entrepreneurship around the theme of gastronomy and food. The Award is a step towards North Savo becoming a nationally and internationally recognised gastronomic region and an attractive culinary tourism destination. The Award has been given by the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Art and Tourism (IGCAT) since 2016.
Living According to Nature's Rhythm
The central theme of this year's programme is foraging – living according to nature's rhythm. Finland's pure nature, midnight sun, high-quality natural ingredients and everyone's right to roam and pick berries, mushrooms and wild herbs are part of our everyday lives and something we want to share with tourists. We have put together content that combines nature, activities, good food and accommodation.
Our partners have collaborated to produce a programme for 2020-2021, including food events, rural markets, events combining food and culture, pop-up restaurants in interesting settings, excursions and cultural heritage. Our partner restaurants use ingredients from local producers and adapt Finnish culinary traditions to the present with professional skill.
The region's best food and kitchen gifts are available from selected outlets during 2020. Europe's first Local Food Gift Challenge will be held in the opening week in September 2020, when Europe's best food and kitchen gifts will be chosen.
European Region of Gastronomy Kuopio 2020
Basics and the Benefits of European Region of Gastronomy Award
A Region Known for Nature and Quality of Life
Located in the middle of North Savo, Kuopio is a growing and attractive university city, with a focus on health and wellness expertise, and is surrounded by the clean and fish-filled Lake Kallavesi with its sea connections.
In Kuopio, inspiration, warm-heartedness and freedom of being are forces of nature that together generate unique phenomena, experiences and success stories. The region's inhabitants understand something about good living. To tourists, Kuopio appears fascinating, charming and distinctive – precisely the kind of place that is easy to love. The Kuopio brand is characterised by unspoilt nature, local culture, surprising and enriching encounters and ways of enjoying life here and now.
North Savo comprises the Town of Iisalmi, Kaavi, Keitele, the Town of Kiuruvesi, the City of Kuopio, Lapinlahti, Leppävirta, Pielavesi, Rautalampi, Rautavaara, Siilinjärvi, Sonkajärvi, the Town of Suonenjoki, Tervo, Tuusniemi, the Town of Varkaus, Vesanto and Vieremä.
Research on European Regions of Gastronomy
The award gives a wide range of opportunities to do research on fields of gastronomy and tourism for students.
In case you are studying tourism, gastronomy, business or culture or event production and interested in doing research on European Region of Gastronomy related subjects, please contact the ERG project team.
