Délice is an
international network of likeminded cities engaged in promoting the benefits of
culinary excellence and good food.
According to Jean-Michel Daclin, President of the Délice Network,
“Gastronomy is an integral part of the heritage of our cities. It expresses a way of living, and is a key
tool for our cities in terms of taste education, living quality and promotion
of tourism. Our goal is to join together
forces, talents and ideas, to exchange on the theme of gastronomy and good
food.” Franschhoek aims to make a significant contribution to setting global food
trends and breaking new ground in food tourism. Franschhoek is the only member
of the Délice Network in the Southern Hemisphere.
Founded in Lyon in
2007, the Délice Network currently has 21 members including Barcelona, Madrid, Montreal,
Lausanne, Milan, Copenhagen, Chicago, Gothenburg, Birmingham, Helsinki,
Brussels, to name a few. Franschhoek partnered
with the Cape Winelands District Municipality in joining the Délice Network.
Criteria for membership
include an outstanding gastronomic culture, actions for citizens’ taste
education and good food consciousness, the use of gastronomy as a tool for tourism
and promotion of the local area’s food diversity. All these elements are what
Franschhoek has become famous for, especially through its festivals such as the
Franschhoek Bastille Festival, The Franschhoek Cap Classique & Champagne
Festival, and Cook Franschhoek, as well as the Franschhoek Artisan Food Route,
and Franschhoek Rond en Bond, which expose the visitor to diverse culinary
experiences. The Franschhoek Artisan
Food Route, in particular, exposes the visitor to a range of the finest olives, cheeses, salmon trout,
charcuterie and artisanal breads South Africa has to offer. Internationally
acclaimed chefs who include Le Quartier Français’ Executive Chef, Margot Janse,
Reuben Riffel as well Neil Jewel, the
Charcuterie Guru are based in Franschhoek, adding further acclaim to the area. This
year’s San Pellegrino Young Chef 2015 Awards is represented by Franschhoek with
Margot Janse serving on the judging panel.
The
working sessions and international events of the Délice Network will aid the
promotion of The Franschhoek Wine Valley in terms of food tourism by focusing
on the 5 main topics of:
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Destination Marketing
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Education and Transmission of knowledge
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Local Products
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Health and Nutrition
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Excellence of Chefs
‘To be associated with
other leading international culinary capitals is a great honour.’ comments
Franschhoek Wine Valley CEO, Jenny Prinsloo. ‘Home to some the most celebrated
chefs our country has to offer, Franschhoek has earned its title over several
years as South Africa’s Culinary Capital.’