Global Initiative to Preserve Culinary Traditions Evolves with New Standards and Recognition System
September 2024 – The Culinary Heritage Network, a global leader in promoting and preserving local culinary traditions since 1995, has announced the launch of its Culinary Heritage Certification System. The new system, set to roll out on January 1, 2025, will bring a fresh approach to the way culinary businesses are recognised for their commitment to quality, sustainability and cultural authenticity.
A New Era of Culinary Excellence
Building on 30 years of expertise, Culinary Heritage is evolving to meet the modern challenges of culinary tourism and sustainability. The new certification process will replace the current system, offering a more rigorous and transparent framework for evaluating restaurants, producers and other food-related businesses across the globe.
The Culinary Heritage Certification is designed to recognise businesses that preserve their region’s unique culinary traditions, while also embracing sustainable practices. Certified members will benefit from global recognition, enhanced visibility, and the opportunity to be part of an internationally respected network.
Key Features of the New Certification System:
Comprehensive Assessments: Certified businesses will undergo an in-depth evaluation conducted by expert inspectors, combining local knowledge with international standards.
Global Trademark: Certified members will be awarded a Certificate and an Enamel Sign, allowing them to display the globally recognised Culinary Heritage trademark.
Local and Global Engagement: While the logo will be standardised worldwide, the network will continue to prioritise the importance of local traditions and sustainability, ensuring each region’s unique culinary identity is celebrated.
According to Culinary Heritage’s spokesperson, Global Coordinator Niclas Fjellström;
“The certification brings a modern approach to ensuring that culinary traditions are preserved while embracing sustainable practices. Our goal is to unite local businesses globally while maintaining the unique flavours, methods and traditions of each region.”
Training and Support for License Holders
A significant feature of the new system includes training for License Holders - the regional representatives responsible for certifying local businesses. During the initial certification process, License Holders will undergo training to ensure they are fully equipped to carry out future certifications in their area, fostering regional culinary excellence for years to come.
Recognition Through Awards
Certified members will also be eligible for the Culinary Heritage Awards, an annual celebration of culinary excellence tied directly to the certification process. These prestigious awards, presented at the network’s Annual Meeting, will highlight the top restaurants, chefs and producers in various categories, further enhancing the visibility and prestige of certified members.
Certification Indicators for Businesses
The Culinary Heritage Certification ensures that certified businesses meet a strict set of criteria, evaluated through an in-depth assessment process. Certified businesses must demonstrate excellence across the following key areas:
Culinary Heritage Preservation: Actively preserving and promoting local culinary traditions, using regional recipes, techniques and ingredients.
Sustainability & Local Sourcing: Committing to environmentally friendly practices, such as using locally sourced ingredients, reducing waste and conserving resources.
Quality & Authenticity: Providing high-quality, authentic culinary products that reflect the unique food culture of their region.
Community Engagement: Engaging with and supporting local communities through collaborations, events and initiatives promoting food heritage.
Transparent Operations: Upholding transparency in sourcing, staffing and ethical business practices, aligning with Culinary Heritage values.
Innovation in Tradition: Balancing tradition with responsible culinary innovation to keep food heritage relevant while maintaining authenticity.
A New Era of Culinary Excellence
The Culinary Heritage Certification System marks a significant evolution in how the network recognizes and promotes businesses dedicated to local food traditions. Certified members will receive the Culinary Heritage Certificate and a highly coveted enamel sign, signalling their place in a global community of culinary excellence.
Looking Forward
As the Culinary Heritage network prepares for its 30th anniversary in 2025, the introduction of the Culinary Heritage Certification System is a bold step toward ensuring the future of culinary traditions around the world. The network is now inviting businesses and regions to explore the benefits of certification and join this growing movement of culinary preservation and innovation.
For more information on how to become certified, or to learn more about the new system, visit Culinary Heritage Website www.culinaryheritage.net or reach out to your local Culinary Heritage representative.
Comments