Aegean Cuisine Portal (https://www.aegeancuisine.org/)
About this good practice
Aegean Cuisine initiated by the Cyclades Chamber of Commerce and Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Dodecanese. Aegean Cuisine portal addresses the need to preserve Aegean cuisine, which is rich in traditions yet increasingly at risk due to globalization and homogenized food culture – serving increased visibility of local products and tastes through a digital channel it fully aligns with TAAS project objectives.
Aegean Cuisine aims to document and promote traditional recipes, raise awareness about local ingredients, and encourage sustainable food practices. It implements these objectives through high-quality content creation, including a comprehensive repository of recipes and articles that highlight the history and significance of Aegean food. Workshops, cooking classes, and food festivals are being organized to engage the community and promote local cuisine. Partnerships with chefs, food producers etc., further enrich the site’s offerings, while an online community encourages users to share their culinary experiences and stories.
Key stakeholders include local chefs, restaurateurs, farmers, and cultural organizations that collaborate to promote Aegean culinary heritage. Beneficiaries encompass tourists and food enthusiasts seeking authentic experiences and local communities that gain economic benefits from increased culinary tourism.
Resources needed
Aegean Cuisine initiative requires initial funding for website development and marketing. Ongoing costs may range from €3,600-€18,000/year for content creation, hosting, promotion & certification processes. Human resources: 2-5 individuals for content, management, marketing & certification processes
Evidence of success
The Aegean Cuisine initiative effectively promotes the region's rich culinary heritage while supporting local businesses and communities. 100 restaurants, 79 local products and 244 traditional recipes have been certified as “Aegean Cuisine” registered in the platform. There is a continuous expression of interest from many businesses to “certify” and promote their products in order to register in “Aegean Cuisine” network.
Potential for learning or transfer
The Aegean Cuisine digital initiative is a valuable model for other regions due to its holistic approach to promoting culinary heritage and sustainability. It emphasizes the preservation of traditional recipes, helping maintain unique cultural identities. By highlighting local ingredients and sustainable practices, it promotes environmental responsibility in food production.
The initiative fosters community engagement by collaborating with local chefs, farmers, and cultural organizations, strengthening local ties. It also effectively leverages culinary tourism to boost local economies, showcasing how authentic culinary experiences can attract visitors.
Its strong digital presence illustrates how online platforms can enhance outreach and engagement. Overall, other regions can learn from Aegean Cuisine to celebrate their own culinary traditions.
Further information
Promotional video of Aegean Cuisine - Dodecanese
Images
Website
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.