NEOM and CARE’s join forces to create a sustainable culinary identity for Saudi Arabia
NEOM, the innovation hub in northwest Saudi Arabia, has announced a partnership with CARE’s, a global project founded by Italian chef Norbert Niederkofler and Paolo Ferretti, to develop a sustainable culinary identity for the Kingdom that respects the environment and local traditions.
The partnership aims to inspire a new generation of Saudi chefs to become change agents, creating exciting, delicious new dishes using fresh ingredients from their own regions. It also seeks to educate the public and the food industry on the principles and benefits of sustainable gastronomy and food security.
As part of the partnership, NEOM and CARE’s will develop a manifesto for food-industry professionals, outlining the best practices for sourcing, preparing and serving food in a way that minimizes waste, preserves biodiversity and enhances nutrition. They will also launch educational initiatives and content to broaden understanding of healthy eating and its impact on well-being and the planet.
In addition, the partnership will facilitate training opportunities and chef camps for Saudi talent, as well as launch an award series to recognize leading examples of innovation in food systems. The partnership will leverage CARE’s network of over 150 chefs in more than 25 countries, who act as ambassadors for sustainable gastronomy across the globe.
Dr. Juan Carlos Motamayor, Executive Director of NEOM Food Sector, commented: “In an era marked by the challenges of climate change and food insecurity, NEOM is committed to developing groundbreaking food solutions, with the support of our industry partners and specialists. Working with Norbert and the CARE’s program gives us the opportunity to demonstrate, develop and implement locally adapted modern food practices that both meet the nutritional needs of consumers in NEOM and the Kingdom and preserve our planet.”
Norbert Niederkofler, Co-Founder of CARE’s, commented: “Through this partnership, CARE’s has an opportunity to not only create a foundation for a more ethical and sustainable approach to gastronomy in the Kingdom, but also to help nurture Saudi talent to drive innovation in food. Between CARE’s network of international multidisciplinary ambassador chefs and NEOM’s food-industry specialists, technological capabilities and commitment to innovation, we’re confident we can create impactful change that benefits the Kingdom and the rest of the world.”
The NEOM CARE’s partnership further strengthens NEOM’s ongoing commitment to harnessing innovation to nourish people and the planet and guaranteeing food security for generations to come.
