The recognition, presented by the Gastro Cinema film and gastronomy festival, will be awarded on November 19th at the closing gala of its eighth edition, held at the Teatre Arniches in Alicante. This award annually distinguishes an entity for its social commitment and contribution to societal improvement.
The festival highlights Gasterra's efforts to advance gastronomy beyond the kitchen through research, training, and knowledge transfer. The director of Gastro Cinema, Vicente Seva, emphasized that the center's work demonstrates gastronomy's potential as a tool for building a more sustainable society.
“"With surprise, gratitude, and immense responsibility"
Gasterra's director, Juana Jordá, received the award with gratitude, highlighting gastronomy's transformative impact on environmental improvement, social inclusion, rural development, and economic sustainability. Jordá also acknowledged the collective effort of over fifty individuals involved with the center and noted that the award could enhance its visibility and foster new collaborations.
The Councilor for Tourism of Alicante City Council, Ana Poquet, underscored the importance of supporting initiatives like Gasterra, which promote research, training, and the dissemination of Mediterranean gastronomic culture.
Gasterra, affiliated with the UA's Faculty of Sciences and in collaboration with Dénia City Council, focuses its activities on four pillars: training, outreach, research, and knowledge transfer. Since November 2021, the center has spearheaded over 60 research projects involving more than 80 researchers, addressing topics such as environmental conservation, circular economy, and food waste reduction, while also enhancing the competitiveness of local businesses and producers.
The eighth edition of Gastro Cinema will take place from November 13th to 19th, 2026, featuring a program that combines film screenings, gastronomic activities, and cultural encounters.
