Catalan gastronomy and wine will be present at California’s World of Flavors

In Napa Valley, California, 8 companies, 7 wineries, and 2 chefs from Catalonia will participate in the World of Flavors conference on the 22nd of April. The event is renowned as the leading conference in the field of gastronomy in the United States. This year, 800 restaurant chains, hotels, chefs, and operators will attend the conference to check out the latest culinary trends and techniques. Catalonia’s participation in the conference is part of a business mission led by ACCIÓ, a project of the Generalitat to promote Catalan business competition, innovation and cooperation around the world. Catalan Ministry for Business and Knowledge Jordi Baiget will also accompany the culinary participants to the United States, making several stops in California, Miami, and Washington D.C. to discuss Catalan business expansion in the country. 

Image of Catalan wine and a local dish made with rice (by ACN)
Image of Catalan wine and a local dish made with rice (by ACN) / ACN

ACN

April 21, 2016 07:01 PM

Barcelona (CNA).- 8 companies, 7 wineries, and 2 chefs from Catalonia will exhibit their culinary expertise at the World of Flavors conference in Napa Valley, California. Held at the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone, the event is known as the United States’ leading conference in the field of gastronomy, and will host 800 restaurant chains, hotels, chefs, and operators who follow the latest culinary trends and techniques. In addition to the conference, Catalan Ministry for Business and Knowledge Jordi Baiget will attend the conference and meet with representatives in California, Miami, and Washington D.C. to discuss Catalan business expansion in the United States. Baiget attributed the Catalan presence at the conference to the “culinary tradition of Catalonia, the quality of products and the country's strong commitment to industry innovation.”


At the conference, the 8 companies attending are Cadi Moritz, Casa Pons, Caviaroli, Inpanasa, Priorat Natur, Sosa Ingredients, and Urgasa. Additionally, 7 wineries including Cava Torello, Mas Bertran, Agrícola Sant Josep, Celler Mas d’en Blei, Molí Parellada, Cellers Unió and Buil i Giné will also be at the conference. Chefs Sergio Andreu and Mateu Casaña of restaurants Disfrutar and La Pepita respectively will also take part in the event.

The participation at the conference was also part of the Generalitat of Catalonia’s ACCIÓ program, which aims to promote Catalan business competition, innovation, and expansion around the world. According to Baiget, the participation of each culinary expert will help to boost Catalonia’s presence in the industry and in the United States. 

“World of Flavors is a great showcase,” Baiget said. “The participation in this conference is a great opportunity for Catalan companies that will present their products most prestigious chefs and professionals from the United States to drive its expansion in the country."

Baiget to discuss industry growth in the United States

Before the World of Flavors conference, Baiget met with Government of California officials in San Francisco to offer a partnership with the Bay Area Business Council. The collaboration would expand Catalan business presence in the state. Additionally while in the United States, Baiget met with representatives in Miami, Florida to sign a memorandum with the Beacon Council, the official agency for economic development in the state. Meanwhile, in Miami 3 Catalan companies also attended eMerge Americas, a two-day conference focused on technology and digital industry innovation in Latin America, North America, and Europe. 

After the conference in California, Baiget will move on to Washington D.C. to meet with executives from the World Bank and from the Interamerican Development Bank to discuss new ways to boost trade and innovation among Catalan enterprises.