Andrés Torres Receives the Basque Culinary World Prize 2024
The Basque Culinary Center hosted the Basque Culinary World Prize 2024 ceremony, honoring chef Andrés Torres for his work through the NGO Global Humanitaria to promote food security in 10 countries and his culinary interventions in global crisis situations. He is also recognized for founding Casa Nova, a restaurant grounded in sustainable practices, demonstrating a new perspective on gastronomy. The Basque Culinary World Prize (BCWP) is a unique, global award that honors chefs who lead transformative initiatives in areas like innovation, technology, education, environment, health, the food industry, and social and economic development. The award is presented by the Basque Government as part of its Euskadi-Basque Country strategy and the Basque Culinary Center, a leading institution in culinary education.
The ceremony will be presided over by the Lehendakari, His Excellency Mr. Imanol Pradales, who will present the award to Andrés Torres. The event will include notable personalities from the gastronomy and food sector in the Basque Country. Speakers will include Amaia Barredo Martín, Basque Government’s Minister of Food, Rural Development, Agriculture, and Fisheries; Joan Roca, President of the Basque Culinary World Prize Jury; and Joxe Mari Aizega, Director of the Basque Culinary Center. Chef Andrés Torres stands at the helm of two interconnected projects: he is the founder and president of the NGO Global Humanitaria, which works on food security and children’s rights in ten countries, operating over 200 school cafeterias and conducting emergency interventions in war and disaster zones. Through these, he facilitates access to food, water, hygiene, health, shelter, and basic education. He also owns the restaurant Casa Nova in Penedès, a model of sustainability and self-sufficiency that has earned him a Michelin Green Star.
Part of Casa Nova’s proceeds support Global Humanitaria, and some of his sustainable kitchen practices are based on knowledge acquired in the communities where the NGO operates. The 100,000-euro Basque Culinary World Prize will support the chef’s initiatives that benefit people, the environment, and society. “I am deeply grateful to the Basque Culinary World Prize for this recognition. It’s a reward for 25 years of dedicated work and the unwavering desire to support as many communities as possible—not just my own, but everyone involved in Global Humanitaria. Beyond strengthening our food security, health, and education projects, I hope this award will amplify our message, helping us expand our assistance to the countries we serve,” said Torres.
Andrés Torres was selected by a jury of some of the world’s most influential chefs, representatives of the Basque Culinary Center’s International Committee, led by Spanish chef Joan Roca (El Celler de Can Roca) and including renowned chefs such as Gastón Acurio (Peru), Pia León (Peru), Yoshihiro Narisawa (Japan), Manu Buffara (Brazil), Dominique Crenn (USA), Trine Hahnemann (Denmark), Mauro Colagreco (Argentina-France), Elena Reygadas (Mexico), Josh Niland (Australia), Narda Lepes (Argentina), and Thitid Tassanakajohn (Ton) (Thailand).
A Transformative Initiative
The Basque Culinary World Prize was launched in 2016 to showcase how gastronomy can serve as a transformative force, highlighting men and women who are entrepreneurs with a commitment to excellence, innovation, creativity, and tenacity, and who are dedicated to their communities. More than 1,250 nominations and about 850 candidates from 42 countries have been part of this prestigious award, known as the “Nobel Prize of Gastronomy,” endorsed by international experts, including some of the world’s best chefs. For two months, industry professionals and institutions nominated chefs from around the globe who demonstrate that gastronomy can be a driver of change in areas such as social integration, sustainability, and education. The Basque Culinary Center conducted an exhaustive process of profile search and verification.
On June 19, the Basque Culinary World Prize announced Andrés Torres as the 2024 winner from Lima, Peru, alongside two special mentions, reflecting its commitment to highlight current challenges and recognize chefs who are entrepreneurial, innovative, and dedicated to their communities. In addition to Andrés Torres, the jury awarded special mentions to Gisela Medina (Argentina) for her work in Mburucuyá, Corrientes Province, where she has elevated her region's often-overlooked ancestral cuisine, contributing to local development and employment; and to Ángel León (Spain) for exploring the ocean's potential as a culinary resource, showcasing new gastronomic possibilities through innovation and sustainability.
Each edition of the Basque Culinary World Prize, through the winner and special mentions, seeks to send a message and show the international community the diverse ways a chef can add value. This edition has focused on food education and social integration, including topics related to immigration and talent diversification.