Catalonia, a region known for its rich history, culture, and impressive landscape, has been attracting the attention of the world's gastronomic public for decades. What was once considered a secret among gourmets has now become a public announcement – Catalonia proudly establishes itself as the epicenter of the best gastronomy in the world. This assertion is not mere rhetoric but is supported by impressive figures, accolades, and, most importantly, the dedication of hundreds of top culinary professionals.

Recently, in the heart of Barcelona, in the impressive ambiance of the Palace of Catalan Music, a historic event took place that gathered the elite of Catalan gastronomy. More than a hundred chefs, including those with prestigious Michelin stars and masters of traditional cuisine, joined forces with other prominent experts from the sector – maître d's, sommeliers, producers, farmers, fishermen, and winemakers. The goal was clear: to jointly promote Catalonia as the home of globally superior gastronomy.

Among those present were some of the most influential names that have defined modern world cuisine. Visionaries like Ferran Adrià, a pioneer of molecular gastronomy, the Roca brothers (Joan, Josep, and Jordi) from El Celler de Can Roca, whose restaurant has been at the top of world rankings for years, and the exceptional Carme Ruscalleda, the first woman in Spain with three Michelin stars. They were joined by other greats like Nandu Jubany and the talented team from Cocina Hermanos Torres, whose innovativeness and dedication to tradition contribute to the diversity and richness of the Catalan culinary scene.

Three decades of culinary revolution and top accolades

Catalonia's path to gastronomic excellence began approximately thirty years ago, culminating in the revolution initiated by the legendary restaurant elBulli. Under the leadership of Ferran Adrià, elBulli redefined the boundaries of cooking and set new standards of innovation and creativity. Simultaneously, chefs like Carme Ruscalleda and Joan Roca tirelessly worked to elevate Catalan cuisine, blending deep tradition with avant-garde approaches.

Today, Catalonia is synonymous with one of the most recognizable cuisines in the world. The region boasts an impressive 62 restaurants holding a total of 77 Michelin stars. This number testifies to the exceptional quality and diversity of the gastronomic offer, encompassing everything from fine dining restaurants to authentic family taverns. Additionally, three Catalan restaurants – Disfrutar, El Celler de Can Roca, and elBulli (though closed as a restaurant, it is still mentioned for its historical impact on rankings) – are regularly ranked among the best in the world according to the prestigious list The World's 50 Best Restaurants. These restaurants are not only culinary institutions but also true beacons of innovation and creativity.

Individual accolades also contribute to global recognition. For example, Albert Adrià, Ferran Adrià's brother and an exceptionally talented chef himself, was named the second best chef in the world in 2024 according to The Best Chef Awards. His work, infused with technical precision and imagination, further confirms the depth of talent present in the Catalan gastronomic scene.

Agri-food strength and the foundation of culinary excellence

Behind the global success of Catalan cuisine lies not only the genius of its chefs but also a strong, well-developed agri-food industry. Catalonia stands out as a true agri-food superpower, with an impressive number of protected designations of origin and geographical indications. The region has 12 Protected Designations of Origin (PDOs), 13 Protected Geographical Indications (PGIs), and 12 Designations of Origin (DOs) for wines. These designations guarantee the quality and authenticity of products, from olive oil and cheese to cured meats and, of course, wines.

The strong connection between culinary tradition and the agri-food sector is crucial for this success. This ecosystem generates an impressive 20% of Catalonia's GDP and is driven by more than 573,500 professionals. It is a sector that not only ensures fresh, high-quality ingredients for chefs but also creates thousands of jobs and stimulates economic development. Furthermore, the sector annually invests over 85.7 million euros in research and development, positioning Catalonia as a benchmark in agri-food and culinary innovation. These investments ensure that the region does not rely solely on tradition but constantly strives for progress and the application of the latest scientific knowledge in food production.

Catalonia as an unmissable eno-gastronomic destination

Catalonia, located in Spain, is one of the main tourist regions in the world, attracting visitors throughout the year. What is particularly interesting is the growing interest of tourists in eno-gastronomy. Tourists who come to Catalonia motivated by food and wine spend on average 20% more than conventional tourists. This indicates the high value these visitors place on an authentic culinary experience.

In this context, with more than 500 active eno-gastronomic experiences across its territory, Catalonia aims to solidify its leadership as an eminent culinary destination in Europe and the world. The goal is to attract new visitors by connecting culinary culture with a productive economy and international appeal. The region offers everything from visits to wineries in Penedès, where the famous Cava is produced, through culinary workshops in Barcelona, to tasting fresh seafood in fishing villages along the Costa Brava and Ebro Delta.

The campaign launched by the Catalan Tourist Board (Generalitat de Catalunya) under the slogan "Catalonia, the best gastronomy in the world", positions Catalan cuisine as a driver of economic development, territorial cohesion, and tourist attractiveness. This initiative is being carried out as part of the recognition "Catalonia, World Region of Gastronomy 2025". It is significant to highlight that Catalonia was the first European region to receive this prestigious award from the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Art, and Tourism (IGCAT). This recognition is not only symbolic but also a confirmation of many years of work and dedication to the development of the gastronomic scene.

Visual campaign and the diversity of Catalan landscapes

At the very heart of the campaign is an impressive advertising message, filmed in seven representative locations across the Catalan region. It featured as many as 140 protagonists from the world of gastronomy, emphasizing the collective spirit and shared vision. The locations were carefully chosen to represent the diversity and richness of Catalan landscapes and culinary traditions. Filming covered the bustling city life of Barcelona, the picturesque medieval villages of Peratallada and the coastal gem l'Escala on the Costa Brava, where one can feel the touch of the Mediterranean and fishing traditions. Then, the plains of Valls on the Costa Dorada, known for traditional "calçotades", and the mussel farms in the spectacular Ebro Delta, an area rich in wetlands and seafood, were visited.

The campaign also showcased the city of Lleida, a center of agriculture and fruit cultivation, and the picturesque La Vall de Boí in the Pyrenees, where mountain cuisine blends with a unique natural environment. Finally, the Penedès region, known for its vineyards and production of excellent wines, was also featured. Through these locations, the campaign not only highlights culinary delicacies but also promotes the overall experience of visiting Catalonia, encouraging tourists to explore its natural beauties and cultural heritage, along with its indispensable top-notch gastronomic offer. Each of these locations offers a unique insight into the richness and diversity of Catalonia's offerings, from mountain peaks to coastal beaches, all infused with unparalleled tastes and aromas.