Italian Cuisine has obtained UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage recognition. The official decision came from New Delhi. For the first time, UNESCO has granted this recognition to an entire national cuisine rather than specific aspects or particularities thereof.
The Italian nomination was formalised through a dossier presented by the communities formed by the Italian Academy of Cuisine, the Casa Artusi Foundation and the magazine La Cucina Italiana. It was then officially presented by the Italian government (the Ministries of Culture, Agriculture and Food Sovereignty, and Foreign Affairs). Scientific support was provided by experts such as Honorary Academician Massimo Montanari and Professor Pierluigi Petrillo.
Sincere thanks go to Maddalena Fossati, editor-in-chief of La Cucina Italiana, to Laila Tentoni, president of the Casa Artusi Foundation, and to the Undersecretary of State for Culture, Gianmarco Mazzi, who followed the whole process with ability and commitment: for this, he has received the Orio Vergani Prize for 2025.
This collaborative achievement marks a renewed commitment for the institutions and communities involved, called upon to enhance and keep alive the Italian gastronomic heritage in accordance with the prestigious recognition received.
