Östersund to host UNESCO’s global gastronomy meeting!
Östersund has been chosen as the host city for the next annual meeting of the UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy. The decision was recently made at the network’s annual meeting in Kuching, Malaysia, where member cities from around the world gathered to decide on future activities and collaborations. Östersund’s application received the network’s support, meaning that the next annual meeting will be arranged in Jämtland Härjedalen.
This is a significant recognition of Östersund’s work as a gastronomy city and an opportunity to bring the region’s food traditions, innovations, and entrepreneurship into international focus. During the meeting, representatives from UNESCO’s gastronomy cities will gather to exchange experiences, network, and discuss how gastronomy can contribute to sustainable development and local growth.
An international
stage for Jämtland Härjedalen
The hosting provides a unique opportunity to showcase what makes Jämtland Härjedalen one of the country’s strongest food regions. Local producers, food companies, restaurants, and other stakeholders in the food and tourism industries will have the chance to meet an international audience and highlight the region’s raw ingredients, food craftsmanship, and innovative power.
At the same time, new opportunities for international collaborations and experience exchange with cities from around the world are created. Through the network, Östersund’s position as an international meeting place for sustainable gastronomy and food-related development is strengthened.
Planning begins now
Planning for the annual meeting has now begun. The ambition is to give participants an experience of the region's unique food culture and, at the same time, create value for the local business community, the tourism industry, and the many stakeholders who contribute to making Jämtland Härjedalen a leading food region.
The goal is to hold the annual meeting in close conjunction with Eldrimner's National Food Craft Championship (Mathantverks-SM) and together with an international research conference on gastronomy at Mid Sweden University. By bringing these events together, a unique meeting place is created where international guests will have the opportunity to experience the full breadth of the region's gastronomic ecosystem, from local producers and food artisans to research, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
This initiative also provides local businesses, researchers, students, and organizations with increased opportunities to forge international contacts and develop new collaborations. Together, the events can strengthen Östersund's position as an international meeting place for sustainable gastronomy and food-related development.
We look forward to September 2027! That's when we will show how the county's gastronomy is a driving force for local pride, innovation, and sustainable development.
