Catalonia

The land of Barcelona

Catalonia, with Barcelona as its capital, is a European region in the Mediterranean area, with its own culture, language and traditions.

The geography and history of Catalonia have shaped a lifestyle where food is a central part of Catalan culture and identity.

Catalonia in figures

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The distinction

Catalonia will be the 2025 World Region of Gastronomy, a distinction awarded by the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, and Tourism (IGCAT) to highlight and promote work to raise awareness about quality food and education for better nutrition and sustainable tourism.

Epicenter of the Mediterranean Diet

Spain is currently ranked number 1 in the Global Health index, with catalonia playing a key role in this position. Several studies have proved that diet is one of the most important factors in this ranking.

The Mediterranean Diet is a valuable cultural heritage that has developed over the centuries into a balanced and healthy cuisine.

Catalonia has a large number and diversity of restaurants, with currently

65 Michelin stars in 50 restaurants

In the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, Catalan restaurants have ranked first place more times than any other region in the world.

CATALAN RESTAURANTS

Where to taste in the world?

Catalan foods are tasted all over the world! It is possible to enjoy them in a large number of countries that have fallen well in love with their quality and delicious flavors. Find out which restaurants in the world you can find them in.

Leading European food cluster

Food and beverages are one of the most dynamic sectors of the Catalan economy, and internationalization is a key factor for growth. With an annual turnover of approximately 50 billion euros, Catalonia’s food sector takes a leading role in Europe as standard-bearers in quality, traceability and food-safety.

Logistics network

Catalonia’s logistics network can serve 400 million consumers in less than 48 hours and its geostrategic position allows efficient intercontinental connections with the Middle East, Asia and America, and optimized distribution in Europe and Africa.

Globally pioneering research centres in Gastronomy and Nutrition

Catalonia has several internationally-recognised research centers dedicated to food, innovation and knowledge transfer, such as IRTA, a public organisation focused on R&D in the agri-food sector, Alícia Foundation, El Bulli Foundation, etc.

Alícia Foundation is a research center dedicated to culinary technological innovation, improvement of eating habits, promotion of food related to health and the preservation of gastronomic heritage.

El Bulli Foundation, promoted and led by Ferran Adrià, works with a vision based on the desire to promote innovation and creativity through the language of cooking, preserving the legacy and spirit of the prestigious Restaurant El Bulli for society and researching and experimenting to enhance talent.

The Culinary revolution and World-renowned gastronomy

Ferran Adrià, head chef of El Bulli (Costa Brava, Catalonia), World’s Best Restaurant in 2002, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009, has led the culinary revolution based on innovation and new food textures and experiences, creating a new language based on both flavour and technique.

The Roca Brothers – El Celler de Can Roca (Girona) also entered the World’s Best Restaurant top 50 in 2013, and have been at the top of the list on two occasions.

In July 2022, Disfrutar in Barcelona, run by chefs Oriol Castro, Eduard Xatruch i Mateu Casañas who started their careers in El Bulli, ranked in number 2 on the World’s Best Restaurant list.

The restaurant Les Cols (Garrotxa, Catalonia), run by the chef Fina Puigdevall and her three daughters, is yet another of many examples of the culinary and gastronomic excellence and international recognition of Catalan cuisine.