Gothenburg – Food Capital of Sweden 2012

29 November, 2011

Gothenburg has been voted Food Capital of Sweden 2012.
“In Gothenburg, food is all about enjoyment, but it’s also something that creates jobs and growth, especially in rural communities,” says Eskil Erlandsson, Minister for Rural Affairs, who is behind the campaign to promote Sweden as a culinary nation.

The jury chose Gothenburg as next year’s food capital in competition with ten other finalists, on the following grounds:

“Because Gothenburg can offer a varied menu that revolves around ingredients from the sea. The well-developed networks in the region link together the city and the rural communities, small-scale food producers and industry, and highlight the importance of good food in medical care, schools and social care. Gothenburg is an attractive city for both national and international tourism and culinary experiences.”

“Food is culture and an experience for all ages. The city has focused on promoting organic produce in order to develop our regional businesses, and we have worked closely with restaurant owners to establish Gothenburg’s reputation for its cuisine,” says Anneli Hulthén, Chairman of Gothenburg City Executive Board.

Member of international gastronomic network

Gothenburg is the only Swedish city that is a member of Delice, an international network of Good Food Cities of the World, which includes Lyon, Barcelona, Chicago, Montreal and Osaka – a fact that has helped to place Gothenburg, West Sweden and Sweden as a whole on the international culinary map.

“We quickly realised the value of food in building tourism, and it has been our long-term aim to develop Gothenburg as a gastronomic city,” comments Camilla Nyman from Göteborg & Co, while also stressing the value of regional collaboration in West Sweden, where small-scale local producers play an important part.

Bengt Linde, Chairman of Gothenburg Restaurant Association, is also pleased:
“This is fantastic news for Gothenburg and Region Västra Götaland. We are always working to bring in more visitors to Gothenburg, and we know that locally produced, high-quality food plays a key role in the ongoing efforts of Gothenburg and the region to attract interesting events that draw the public.”