Particle.news
Download on the App Store
6 ARTICLES
·
yesterday

UNESCO Adds Italian Cuisine to Intangible Cultural Heritage List in First National Cuisine Recognition

A unanimous New Delhi ruling frames the tradition as a living social practice that Italians cite as central to national identity.

Image

Overview

  • The 24‑nation UNESCO committee approved the listing on December 10 in New Delhi, marking the first time an entire country’s cuisine has been inscribed.
  • UNESCO described Italian cuisine as a cultural and social fusion that transmits skills and memories across generations while fostering inclusion and respect for ingredients.
  • Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni welcomed the decision as an honor to Italy’s identity, calling the cuisine culture, tradition, work and wealth.
  • Industry groups Filiera Italia and Coldiretti forecast benefits for the Made in Italy food chain, citing a €251 billion global market and a stronger stance against 'italian sounding' imitations.
  • Italy now counts 21 intangible heritage entries, nine linked to agro‑food traditions, building on earlier listings such as Neapolitan pizza and espresso and differing from France’s recognized gastronomic meal.