UNESCO Recognizes Italian Cuisine as Intangible Cultural Heritage, Boosting National Pride and Economic Prospects
Italian cuisine has been officially recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage, marking a significant achievement for Italy. This recognition follows a three-year campaign by Italy's Agriculture Ministry to highlight the traditional methods of growing, harvesting, preparing, and serving food in Italy. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced the decision, emphasizing that Italian cuisine is not merely a collection of recipes but a reflection of culture, tradition, and identity. The recognition aims to protect Italian cuisine from imitation and misuse, such as the production of fake Italian food products. The designation is expected to enhance Italy's global culinary reputation and provide economic benefits by boosting exports and tourism.