National Geographic Traveller (UK) Food Festival 2025 – Greece Wins Over the British Audience

The Regions of Eastern Macedonia & Thrace and the Peloponnese participated dynamically in the National Geographic Traveller (UK) Food Festival 2025, the UK’s premier culinary event, held on 19–20 July 2025 at the Business Design Centre in Islington, London. The festival attracts thousands of visitors annually—from food lovers and industry professionals to travel enthusiasts seeking global experiences through cuisine.

This year’s festival focused on the culinary traditions and local products from every corner of the world. The Greek Pavilion stood out as a highlight of the event, captivating visitors with the authenticity and richness of Greek gastronomic culture. Representing Greece were the Regions of Eastern Macedonia & Thrace and the Peloponnese, both of which showcased distinctive local products and delivered engaging presentations of both traditional and modern recipes.

Visitors enjoyed a full program of cooking masterclasses, global wine tastings at the Wine Theatre, and encounters with renowned chefs, all offering a culinary journey that connected food with culture. Eastern Macedonia & Thrace, in particular, distinguished itself with creative showcases that combined the authenticity of local production with the immersive experience of the modern traveler.

The participation of both Regions marked a powerful step toward extroversion, presenting their three pillars—gastronomy, culture, and tourism—in a unified and contemporary way. Through tastes, stories, and authentic products, the regions introduced their identity to an international audience, highlighting Greek quality, authenticity, and hospitality.

At the heart of the experience was the Greek National Bar, an interactive tasting space where visitors sampled emblematic products from across the country. Special emphasis was given to Greek wine, with daily guided tastings by head sommeliers who showcased native grape varieties and regional winemaking traditions.

The Greek participation followed two main thematic pillars:

• Masterclasses: Each region presented a signature traditional recipe with live cooking demonstrations, emphasizing the deep connection between gastronomy, culture, and regional identity.

• Wine Theatre sessions: Exclusive presentations focused on regional wines, offering attendees insight into varieties, techniques, and the stories behind each label.

The public responded with enthusiasm, often expressing surprise at the quality, authenticity, and diversity of Greek products. The Greek presence offered a complete cultural, culinary, and tourism experience, positioning the country as a modern and multidimensional gastronomic destination.

The Greek Pavilion enjoyed prime positioning within the exhibition hall—directly beside the Main Stage, the area with the highest visitor flow throughout the weekend.

This strategic location ensured constant exposure to a wide audience, with a steady stream of attendees stopping to explore Greek products, watch presentations, and enjoy tastings at the National Bar. Its proximity to the central stage—home to talks, demos, and interviews with chefs and culinary figures—further amplified visibility and impact.

Greece’s flavor profile took center stage through product placements during headline events, including a live cooking demo by Head Chef Antonio Lakrori and curated tastings at the Wine Theatre. These experiences offered the audience an authentic and engaging introduction to Greek gastronomy.

Meanwhile, daily tastings at the National Bar allowed guests to sample a wide range of Greek specialties—wines, olives, beers, olive oils, sweets, and coffee—creating an informal and welcoming way to discover regional excellence.

The presence of these two dynamic Greek Regions at the National Geographic Traveller (UK) Food Festival 2025 was a resounding success—highlighting their culinary wealth, tourism appeal, and export potential to a targeted international audience.