The Gastro Cinema film and gastronomy festival has awarded the 2026 Gastro Cinema Solidarity Prize to the Centre for Mediterranean Gastronomy UA-Dénia (Gasterra), led by Juana Jordá, in recognition of its efforts to promote a more sustainable, inclusive, and socially responsible gastronomy through research, training, and knowledge transfer.
The award will be presented at the closing gala of the eighth edition of Gastro Cinema, scheduled for Thursday, 19 November, at Teatre Arniches in Alicante. Ana Poquet, the city’s Councillor for Tourism, emphasised that "Alicante is gastronomy, tradition, quality products, and innovation. Our cuisine is part of what makes us unique and is a significant attraction for visitors. Therefore, it is essential to support initiatives like Gasterra that promote research, training, and the dissemination of Mediterranean culinary culture."
Vicente Seva, director of Gastro Cinema, stated, "With this award, we want to recognise the important work Gasterra does to elevate gastronomy beyond the kitchen through research, training, and social commitment. Their work demonstrates that gastronomy can also be a tool for building a more sustainable society."
In response to the recognition, Juana Jordá expressed her gratitude, saying, "The Gastro Cinema Solidarity Prize is an honour that we receive with surprise, gratitude, and immense responsibility." She highlighted the collective effort behind the centre, affirming that "the more than fifty people who have contributed to the development of this centre over the years are convinced of the transformative nature of gastronomy, with a social impact on environmental improvement, social inclusion, rural development, and economic sustainability."
The Centre for Mediterranean Gastronomy UA-Dénia (Gasterra) is an institution of the University of Alicante, established in collaboration with the Dénia City Council, a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. It is linked to the Faculty of Sciences and operates around four fundamental pillars: training, dissemination, research, and knowledge transfer, aiming to contribute to the development of the gastronomic sector and bring knowledge closer to society.
Gasterra has been involved in over 60 research projects with more than 80 researchers focusing on issues such as environmental conservation, circular economy, and food waste reduction. Additionally, it has helped improve the competitiveness of small businesses and producers while generating quality employment opportunities for various groups.
Through this recognition, Gastro Cinema highlights Gasterra's contribution to the development of responsible gastronomy, capable of generating knowledge, fostering inclusion, and promoting new opportunities for the sector and society. The eighth edition of Gastro Cinema will take place from 13 to 19 November 2026, featuring a programme that combines film screenings, gastronomic activities, tastings, and cultural encounters. The festival is supported by the Alicante Provincial Council, the Alicante City Council, the Municipal Tourism Board Alicante City & Beach, Mercalicante, Aguas de Alicante, and collaborating companies.
