The culinary world and the expectations from consumers are constantly evolving. To meet the challenges and opportunities of the modern culinary landscape we introduced the Culinary Heritage Certification System. The Culinary Heritage network is setting a unified global standard for local food producers, restaurants and other culinary businesses. 

The certification ensures that businesses meet high standards of sustainability, authenticity and culinary excellence, allowing them to proudly display the Culinary Heritage trademark.​​

The certification process provides transparency and trust for consumers, while offering businesses recognition for their commitment to preserving local culinary traditions. This reflects the Culinary Heritage network's ongoing dedication to fostering both local and global connections through food.​

Learn more about Culinary Heritage Certification

The Culinary Heritage Awards set the standard for local food and traditional cuisine of the highest quality, produced and prepared by businesses and individuals deeply committed to sustainability, social responsibility, and the preservation of cultural and historical values.​

Unlike traditional awards that separate social responsibility from culinary craftsmanship, the Culinary Heritage Awards recognise both as essential elements of truly great food. These awards celebrate those who excel not only in flavour and craftsmanship but also in their dedication to preserving culinary traditions and supporting sustainable practices. We therefore brand it as a new standard in culinary excellence.​

The Culinary Heritage Awards are directly tied to the rigorous certification assessments conducted. The best certified members, from top restaurants to innovative local producers, are celebrated in various categories, each reflecting a unique aspect of culinary excellence.

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In every country and region, we champion and promote Culinary Heritage as part of a global initiative, but we also understand that the connection of our esteemed Certified Members is strongest within their local markets.​ 

Though the same logo is used worldwide, the importance of local traditions, languages and cultures remains at the heart of our network. Each Certified Member brings their unique regional identity into the global Culinary Heritage community, creating a rich and diverse tapestry of culinary excellence. ​

By integrating the global certification system with local expertise, we foster strong connections between regional culinary heritage and the worldwide Culinary Heritage movement, strengthening both the local and global impact of our work.​

There are always a lot of things going on in our big Culinary Heritage community. The certified businesses of course showcase their skills in kitchens every day serving restaurant visitors tasty food based on culinary traditions and local food products. The local producers prepare their delicious products in accordance with traditional values added with a pinch of innovation to be sustainable and up to date with the expectations from the customers.

Within the Culinary Heritage network we also meet each other frequently - businesses and regional representatives - for sharing expertise and knowledge during study trips and our Annual Forum. When we have an upcoming study trip it is visible as an event.

Our Certification Inspectors are always duly performing their work in different parts of the world making valuable reports about local businesses. The Certification Inspector plays a crucial role in preserving and promoting culinary heritage, supporting sustainable practices and strengthening local food traditions. Together with the License Holders and other local experts they are vital to our mission of safeguarding and celebrating regional food traditions.

Meet Our Certification Inspectors

Culinary Heritage Certification is more than just a label - it’s a mark of authenticity, quality and commitment to local culinary traditions. Certified businesses gain international recognition as trusted ambassadors of their region’s food culture, standing for high standards in sustainability, quality and the use of local ingredients. This certification sets them apart, attracting tourists and locals who seek genuine and regionally inspired culinary experiences.

For the region, Culinary Heritage Certification creates a strong, cohesive brand that promotes local pride and increases its appeal as a food tourism destination, bringing economic benefits and a positive reputation. For businesses, being part of this network means access to targeted marketing, resources and support to enhance visibility and drive growth. Certified members are part of a respected international community, connecting them with like-minded businesses across the world, while celebrating and preserving the region’s unique culinary heritage.

Culinary Heritage brings a regions culinary traditions to life. Our training manual and Reference Guide for Culinary Traditions is very often a good starting point for a region to develop the regional values. The certification in itself play a crucial role in preserving and promoting culinary heritage, supporting sustainable practices and strengthening local food traditions. The certification is built around key criteria like;

• Culinary Heritage Preservation

• Sustainability and Local Sourcing

• Quality and Authenticity

• Community Engagement

• Transparency in Operations

• Innovation in Tradition


After the assessments and the evaluation is done within a region we very often can scout out some patterns that goes through regarding the business operations. From these patterns it is possible to draw some conclusions what kind of improvements that can be done to uplift the region even more. This can be the background to develop a project that will elevate the region and Culinary Heritage has as project pros been involved in many international projects throughout the years! 

Read more about projects