What the UNESCO inscription means

The inclusion of Italian cuisine on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list highlights the knowledge, practices and food chains rooted in local territories. This recognition goes beyond symbolism: with targeted policies it can boost tourism appeal, support exports and strengthen the preservation of regional culinary traditions.

Why it matters

• Economic value: perceived product quality can rise, opening premium export channels.
• Tourism appeal: food and wine tourism typically extends stays and increases average spending on authentic experiences.
• Cultural safeguarding: the recognition encourages passing on recipes, techniques and local practices to new generations.

Recommended operational actions

• Design food and wine routes connecting producers, farms and traditional restaurants, with clear signage and digital maps.
• Create dedicated distribution channels for certified artisan products and support recognizable territorial brands.
• Invest in professional training for chefs, pastry chefs and front-of-house staff with modules on traditional techniques and sustainable management.
• Establish coherent public policies on quality, labeling and sustainability to support SMEs in the sector.

Practical tips for visitors

• Look for certified experiences and tastings at local producers to learn about the supply chain and production methods.
• Join hands-on workshops and guided visits to production sites to understand origins and processes.
• Favor restaurants and producers that use local ingredients and adopt sustainable practices.

Commitments for operators and authorities

Turning the UNESCO recognition into measurable outcomes requires an integrated strategy: institutional coordination, targeted investments, international promotion and quality incentives. Pilot projects, producer networks and territorial certifications are effective levers to accelerate economic and cultural impact.

Immediate starting actions

• Map regional excellence supply chains.
• Launch certified food and wine itineraries and training programs for young people.
• Run communication campaigns focused on authenticity and sustainability of experiences.

Practical information

Date of recognition: 10 December 2025.

Noted location (informative): SS33 del Sempione, 28, 20017 Rho MI, Italy.