Sustainable Gastronomy Day

Sustainable Gastronomy Day History

Sustainable Gastronomy Day is a global event aimed at promoting culinary traditions that respect the environment and the local culture. This Observance emphasizes the importance of preserving traditional cooking practices while also focusing on using ingredients that are sustainably sourced and have minimal environmental impact. The goal is to ensure that culinary traditions are preserved, while also taking care to protect the environment and the diverse and unique flavours from around the world.

The United Nations declared Sustainable Gastronomy Day in 2016 to raise awareness about the role of gastronomy in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Sustainable gastronomy has the potential to create a positive impact on the South African economy by encouraging the use of locally sourced and sustainably produced ingredients. It also allows South Africans to showcase their rich and diverse culinary traditions while promoting environmental consciousness and cultural preservation.

Typical customs and activities surrounding Sustainable Gastronomy Day in South Africa often involve showcasing the country's local cuisine through food festivals, markets, workshops, and other gastronomic events. These activities promote the use of indigenous ingredients, such as rooibos tea, biltong, and amadumbe, while highlighting the importance of sustainable farming practices and waste reduction. Sustainable Gastronomy Day is observed annually on June 18th, serving as a reminder for South Africans and citizens worldwide to embrace and promote culinary practices that are mindful of the environment and their cultural heritage.

Top 8 Facts for 2026 Sustainable Gastronomy Day in South Africa

• In anticipation of Sustainable Gastronomy Day on June 18, 2026, the following facts highlight the unique intersection of South African heritage and global sustainability efforts:
  
  The global theme for 2026 is Celebrating Food Heritage, an initiative that aligns with the United Nations’ declaration of 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer to honor those who safeguard traditional agricultural knowledge.
• South Africa will be at the center of the continental culinary stage as the South African Chefs Association hosts the African Culinary Cup in Cape Town this June, bringing together top talent to compete using sustainable and indigenous ingredients.
• A major focal point for this year's observance is the recently launched publication Roots & Recipes: Indigenous Foods for a Sustainable Future, which showcases the climate resilience of traditional South African crops such as sorghum, millet, and the Bambara groundnut.
• Leading local culinary figures, including Chef Mokgadi Itsweng and Chef Lorna Maseko, are championing a "decolonized" food system that prioritizes indigenous "climate-smart" greens like morogo and amadumbe to combat local food insecurity.
• The South African Chefs Association has turned the spotlight on food waste by revealing that their initiatives have rescued enough surplus food to deliver over seven million meals to vulnerable communities across the country.
• Modern South African "conscious gastronomy" is being redefined at award-winning local establishments such as DUSK in Stellenbosch, where chefs utilize fermentation and foraged ingredients to minimize environmental footprints.
• With over 40% of South African consumers now reportedly choosing meals based on ethical and sustainability reasons, the Local is Lekker movement is evolving into a formal "farm-to-fork" strategy that supports smallholder farmers and protects regional biodiversity.
• Sustainable Gastronomy Day in South Africa serves as a platform for the WWF-SASSI (Southern African Sustainable Seafood Initiative) to encourage diners to choose "green-listed" species, protecting the delicate marine ecosystems of our two oceans.

In the News and Trending in South Africa for Sustainable Gastronomy Day

Top things to do in South Africa for Sustainable Gastronomy Day

• Discover 6 tips on how to reduce food waste.
• Visit your local farmers market. By buying locally you can help support farmers and your community.
• Watch a documentary to learn more about gastronomy in South Africa. Here are our top picks:
  1. A Bite of the Mother City: Cape Town Food Safari (2016) - This is a documentary that explores the diverse culinary scene in Cape Town, South Africa, and its influence from various cultures.
  2. Food, Booz & Good Times: South Africa (2018) - This travel documentary shows the host experiencing the food and local culture of South Africa.
  3. Making Food Tradition: Soweto-Style (2013) - This short documentary dives into the food culture and heritage of Soweto, a township in Johannesburg, South Africa.
• Read a book to learn more about sustainable gastronomy in South Africa. Here are our recommendations:
  1. Sustainable Gastronomy in South Africa: Culinary Traditions, Local Food Sources, and Innovative Practices by Abigail Donnelly
  2. The South African Culinary Tradition: A History of South African Food and the Role of Sustainable Gastronomy by Tiisetso Sehoole
  3. The Table is Set: A Sustainable South African Culinary Journey by Nicolette Veldhoen