Italy’s national cuisine has become the first entire gastronomic tradition to be recognized as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO. The announcement was confirmed by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who called the recognition a celebration of Italy’s identity and culture.
“This recognition honors who we are,” Meloni said. “For Italians, cuisine is not just food or recipes. It is culture, tradition, work, and wealth.”
The designation follows a three-year campaign by Italy’s Agriculture Ministry to secure protection for the country’s traditional methods of growing, preparing, and serving food. Officials hope the status will help safeguard Italian cuisine from imitation and “fake” products, including prepackaged sauces and olive oil mislabeled as Italian.
Agriculture Minister Francesco Lollobrigida said the recognition will boost Italy’s agri-food sector, support regional economies, and reinforce sustainable, seasonal, and non-wasteful culinary practices.
Italy’s culinary traditions join other intangible cultural heritage designations, such as opera singing, Neapolitan pizza making, truffle hunting, and Mediterranean diet practices. UNESCO status also comes with responsibilities for safeguarding these cultural practices for future generations.
