It all began on 23 March 2023, with the official announcement of the candidacy of Italian Cuisine for inclusion on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list, promoted by the Italian Government through the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry (MASAF) and the Ministry of Culture.
A few months later, on 1 July 2023, the candidacy was officially presented aboard the tall ship Amerigo Vespucci, on the occasion of the departure of the Vespucci World Tour and Villaggio Italia (2023–2025): a symbolic, travelling journey that brought the values of Italian cuisine around the world, telling its story, celebrating its quality and highlighting its deep connection with local territories.
The dossier submitted to UNESCO, entitled “Italian Cuisine, between sustainability and biocultural diversity”, received its first positive technical assessment from the UNESCO Commission in November 2025, recognising Italian cuisine not merely as a collection of recipes, but as a living expression of traditions, knowledge, agricultural supply chains and social relationships.
But what does all this mean for our trattorias and for restaurants across Emilia?
The recognition strengthens the value of everyday cuisine — the kind shaped by inherited gestures, seasonal ingredients and identity-driven recipes. It brings greater attention to the quality of raw materials, the traceability of local supply chains, the protection of traditional preparations and the authentic storytelling of the territory, without compromising its essence.
The journey concluded symbolically on 10 December, with a message celebrating the collective value of this heritage:
“This is a celebration of the families who pass down ancient flavours, of the farmers who care for the land, of the producers who work with passion, and of the restaurateurs who bring the true value of Italy to the world. To them, and to all those who worked with dedication on this candidacy, goes my deepest gratitude.”
As underlined by Minister Francesco Lollobrigida, this recognition represents not only a source of pride, but also a responsibility:
“This recognition is a reason for pride, but also an awareness of the further appreciation that our products, our territories and our supply chains will enjoy. It will be an additional tool to protect Made in Italy, create new job opportunities and strengthen a tradition that UNESCO has recognised as a Heritage of Humanity.”
For Emilia, a land of historic trattorias and authentic cuisine, this means continuing to do well what has always set it apart: transforming tradition into a value recognised worldwide, without ever losing its soul.
