Following The Food Festival Think Table, The Food Capitals launches its newest thematic working group, the Latin America Connection Working Group.
As Latin American cities increasingly seek to position gastronomy as a driver of cultural identity, tourism development, and more sustainable urban futures, growing numbers from the region are joining The Food Capitals network. Across the continent, local governments are recognising food not only as heritage, but as a strategic tool for city branding, economic opportunity, community well-being, and international visibility. With its culinary diversity, agricultural richness, and strong food traditions, Latin America is emerging as one of the network’s most dynamic and engaged regions.
Latin American cities are recognised worldwide for their vibrant culinary cultures and deep connections between food, place, and identity. As of April 2026, the following cities and destinations are actively engaged in the network: Cali (represented by Cali Valle Bureau), Cartagena de Indias, Portoviejo, Puebla, and Trinidad.
Under the leadership of Cali, a member of the network’s Executive Committee, and in close collaboration with The Food Capitals headquarters in Lyon, the Latin America Connection Working Group responds to a shared ambition: to create a dedicated platform where Latin American member cities can exchange experiences, identify common priorities, and develop initiatives rooted in the region’s specific opportunities and challenges. It will also create new opportunities for collaboration between Latin American cities and the wider global network.
Several of these cities had the opportunity to meet in person during FITUR 2026, where The Food Capitals organised an informal networking session for Latin American delegates and prospective members. The strong momentum generated there confirmed the value of creating more structured opportunities for connection and cooperation.
The objective of the Latin America Connection Working Group is to establish a permanent framework for cooperation among member cities in the region and beyond. Priorities will include peer learning, strengthening international visibility, promoting complementary culinary identities, and designing collaborative projects aligned with The Food Capitals’ international vision.
The official launch of the group at the Food Capitals Summit 2026 marks a new chapter in the network’s international growth and underlines Latin America’s increasing contribution to global conversations on gastronomy, culture, tourism, and city development.
