Foodies on Menorca enters the Top 10 Foodies Websites 2026 by IGCAT

Last night, at a gala held in Opatija (Croatia), with Kvarner as host, European Region of Gastronomy 2026, the Top 10 Foodie Websites 2026 by IGCAT were announced. These were selected as a carefully curated collection of exceptional, innovative and culturally rich gastronomic experiences from around the world. From immersive food and wine tastings, visits to farms and factories, and cooking classes, to artisanal activities, food and wine routes, vibrant markets and fairs, these websites offer a wide variety of unforgettable culinary adventures. Each platform is committed to promoting local gastronomy, supporting producers and celebrating the unique food cultures that make each destination special.

Among them is Menorca-based Foodies on Menorca, directed by Bep Al·lès and published by Grup Setmanaris i Revistes SL, with a website design created by the local company Infotelecom.

The gala was hosted by Borna Šmer, a well-known Croatian television journalist, and featured distinguished guests, including IGCAT President Dr. Diane Dodd and Dr. Irena Perši Živadinov, Director of the Kvarner Tourist Board, who welcomed attendees and thanked all participants.

Special recognitions were also given to Alessandra Ban, Head of the Department of Tourism, Entrepreneurship and Rural Development, representing the President of the Primorsko-Goranska County, Ivica Lukanovi. Gratitude was also expressed to key regional stakeholders, such as the Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management, represented by Dr. Dora Smoli Jurdana, and the Kvarner Wines Association, represented by Director Žarko Stilin and President Egle Katunar. The event also included representatives from the Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, ambassadors of the Kvarner European Region of Gastronomy 2026 project and brand, partners of the prestigious Gault&Millau Croatia gastronomic guide, as well as directors of local tourist offices from across the Kvarner region.

In the presence of international guests and local stakeholders attending the 31st meeting of the IGCAT World Regions of Gastronomy Platform (March 16–20), the official award ceremony revealed the 10 selected websites from candidates worldwide, offering an attractive and diverse list. Members of the platform from awarded and candidate regions around the world joined the gala, enriching the event with their experience and shared passion for gastronomy. The winning websites are:

Foodies on Menorca (Menorca, European Region of Gastronomy 2022)
Taste Saimaa (Saimaa, European Region of Gastronomy 2024)
Discover Aseer (Aseer, World Region of Gastronomy 2024)
NJOY Catalonia (Catalonia, World Region of Gastronomy 2025)
Cretan Gea (Crete, European Region of Gastronomy 2026)
Visit Manabí (Manabí, World Region of Gastronomy 2026)
Magenta7.Travel (Harghita, European Region of Gastronomy 2027)
Visit Lofoten (Nordland, European Region of Gastronomy 2028)
Sawa Taste of Tunisia (Cap Bon, candidate for World Region of Gastronomy 2028)
La Route des Gourmets (France)

The winning websites were congratulated and received official certificates from jury members Dr. Adriana Zerga (Peru/United Kingdom) and Oscar Ekponimo (Nigeria), along with a symbolic gift from the Director of the Kvarner Tourist Board, Dr. Irena Perši? Živadinov.

The international IGCAT jury and evaluation criteria

The websites submitted to the fifth edition of the Top Foodie Websites competition were evaluated by an international jury of IGCAT experts according to several criteria, including usability, sustainability and the creativity of the experiences offered, as well as their connection to the territories they promote.

The jury included: Dr. Edith M. Szivas (Spain), IGCAT Vice-President and expert in sustainable tourism; Nadeem Mansour (Jordan), leader in governance and resilience and author of the cookbook Thuraya, awarded six times with the Gourmand Award; Dr. Adriana Zerga (Peru/United Kingdom), specialist in cultural rights and food heritage; Pepe Fassos (Australia), qualified chef, certified organic farmer, owner of Five Sixty Farms and founder of Fusion Agrifood; Sunanthee Kanchanawat (Hong Kong/Thailand), advisor in integrated gastronomy design at the Thailand Gastronomy Network and professor in the Food and Beverage Department at the School of Hotel and Tourism Management of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University; and Oscar Ekponimo (Nigeria), founder and CEO of Chowberry Inc.

A gala night to crown the winning websites

At a grand celebration held at the Hotel Amadria Park Milenij in Opatija, the Top Foodie Websites 2026 ceremony became the centre of attention, bringing together international guests, local stakeholders and tourism experts. Organised by IGCAT and the Kvarner Tourist Board, the gala was part of the programme of the Kvarner Platform meeting, which brought together for a week members from awarded and candidate gastronomic regions worldwide to experience immersive activities and exchange knowledge. The evening featured performances by Klapa Volosko, a traditional Croatian coastal singing style recognised by UNESCO, and David Danijel, singer and musician from Opatija.

During the week (March 16–20), platform members explored the diverse Kvarner region, including Rijeka, the islands of Krk, Cres and Lošinj, the Crikvenica-Novi Vinodolski Riviera, Gorski Kotar and Opatija. Highlights included guided visits to UNESCO-recognised intangible heritage elements, refined Kvarner gastronomy, tastings of local cheeses and olive oils, themed lunches and dinners paired with regional wines, and discussions on heritage, sustainability and community well-being.

This rich programme highlighted the importance of gastronomic experiences for visitors as a tool to promote local culture, support producers and foster sustainable tourism—values perfectly reflected in the Top Foodie Websites 2026.

About the IGCAT Top Foodie Websites

Through the annual publication of the Top Foodie Websites, IGCAT aims to increase international visitors’ access to high-quality gastronomic and cultural experiences, give global visibility to niche experiences, and reward platforms and applications that support micro-enterprises and contribute to sustainable territorial development.

In this way, IGCAT seeks to encourage the creation of new and unique gastronomic initiatives or start-ups and to inspire the development of innovative, creative and positive food experiences.

The Top 10 Foodie Websites 2026 will gain international visibility and will be permanently promoted on the official IGCAT website and its social media channels.