Photo source: Municipality of Kalamata
Greece played a leading role in advancing global dialogue on the Mediterranean diet, hosting leading scientists, chefs, and policymakers in Kalamata to explore its impact on health, sustainability, and culture.
Held during October 13–14 in Kalamata, the Peloponnese, the 2025 “Tomorrow Tastes Mediterranean” conference placed Greece at the center of international attention.
Organized for the first time in the country by the Captain Vassilis & Carmen Konstantakopoulos Foundation and the Torribera Mediterranean Center — an initiative of the Culinary Institute of America and the University of Barcelona — the event highlighted how the Mediterranean diet can serve as a model for a healthier planet and population.
Discussions throughout the two-day event highlighted the Mediterranean diet’s proven role in preventing chronic disease, promoting longevity and inspiring sustainable agricultural practices. Scientists presented new findings on the connection between nutrition and well-being, echoing the idea of “food as medicine”. Speakers also underlined the importance of adapting the Mediterranean model to modern realities, calling for balance between tradition and innovation in food systems.
Environmental and policy perspectives were also central to the dialogue.
Greenpeace Greece Director Nikos Charalambidis told the Athens News Agency (ANA) that promoting the Mediterranean diet is closely tied to public health, responsible resource management, and the future of sustainable agriculture.
“The shift toward sustainable practices is no longer optional — it’s essential for our survival and the planet’s,” he said.
The conference also showcased the Mediterranean’s culinary and cultural diversity through olive oil tastings, whole-grain workshops and plant-based cooking demonstrations by international chefs. The accompanying Festival of Mediterranean Taste, held at the Kalamata Central Market, brought together producers, winemakers, and visitors in a celebration of gastronomy and community.
During the conference it was announced that next year’s “Tomorrow Tastes Mediterranean” will be hosted in Barcelona on October 19–20, 2026, further extending the conversation that began in Kalamata.
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Dining and Cooking