Training, Outreach, and Innovation are Central to the Renewal of the Agreement between Basque Culinary Center and Eroski

Eroski and Basque Culinary Center have renewed their collaboration agreement for another four years, strengthening a relationship that has already extended for more than a decade. This strategic alliance will continue to promote innovation, training, and the dissemination of gastronomy, with a special focus on health and sustainability. The agreement, signed by the general director of Basque Culinary Center, Joxe Mari Aizega, and the secretary-general of Eroski, Mikel Larrea, reaffirms the commitment of both organizations to develop projects that benefit both gastronomy professionals and the value chain and society.

"The renewal of this agreement with Basque Culinary Center, an undisputed leader in the field of gastronomy, reflects our ongoing commitment to educating and informing consumers about the importance of adopting healthy lifestyles, many of which are related to food. This collaboration allows us to promote the value of local products, recognizing their relevance beyond the kitchen. It also strengthens our commitment to innovation as a driving force to build a prosperous and sustainable future, considering not only environmental impact but also the social and economic aspects that enrich our society. Doing this alongside Basque Culinary Center guarantees commitment and innovation. We are very pleased to strengthen our relationship to address new projects in development, training, and innovation," said the secretary-general of Eroski.

For his part, the general director of Basque Culinary Center stated, "It is a pleasure for Basque Culinary Center to have a patron like Eroski with whom we share values and a unique vision of the food and gastronomy sectors that has allowed us to work on very relevant strategic projects. Throughout our collaboration, we have worked in areas such as training, innovation, and the dissemination of gastronomic knowledge, positively impacting society. This renewal reaffirms and consolidates a relationship that has extended for more than 10 years and will allow us to continue looking to the future and facing new and exciting challenges."

Joint Projects and Areas of Collaboration
The collaboration between Eroski and Basque Culinary Center over these 12 years has resulted in a variety of projects ranging from product quality evaluation to education on healthy eating habits. Additionally, the two organizations work on R&D projects to develop food products with added value, promoting innovation in the sector. A significant area of work is training. Notable is the collaboration in raising awareness about the importance of balanced eating and healthy living habits with programs like "Chef de la clase" with 75 workshops conducted by Basque Culinary Center in Eroski classrooms or summer culinary camps for young people.

These projects contribute to the dissemination of gastronomy, raising awareness among young people about the importance of balanced eating and its relationship to health, as well as showing how to plan a balanced diet (based on the food pyramid) by developing a weekly menu, and instilling that cooking is not just a tool for feeding ourselves but transcends to the way we interact with our social and natural environment. Besides training focused on young people, joint outreach projects are also developed, such as the program of workshops and intensive courses for gastronomy enthusiasts.

Likewise, both entities organize "Eroski-BCC Onenak," an initiative that annually recognizes professionals whose entrepreneurial projects are developed in the areas of sustainability, local products, innovation, or health. It also values the work done by betting on young talents as a driving force for change in the food and gastronomy sector. Innovation in gastronomic concepts is another strategic line of common work between Eroski and Basque Culinary Center, promoting the development of joint projects carried out by professionals from both organizations.

Looking to the Future
The renewal of this agreement not only ensures the continuity of these projects but also opens the door to new initiatives that may arise. Eroski and Basque Culinary Center are committed to continuing to lead innovation and culinary education, responding to the challenges of modern food and promoting informed, healthy, and sustainable eating.