Valls, in Catalonia, will host the first Calçotada Forum on 8 and 9 May at the Biblioteca Popular de Valls. This event is part of Catalonia's distinction as World Region of Gastronomy 2025 and aims to analyse and promote the Calçotada as a leading gastronomic event, according to officials.

The pioneering initiative will highlight the Calçotada from gastronomic, scientific, economic, and sustainable perspectives. It is organised by the Valls Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Services, along with the Chambers of Commerce of Tarragona, Reus, and Tortosa. Collaborators include the Catalan government, Valls City Council, the Calçot de Valls Protected Geographical Indication (IGP), Tarragona Provincial Council, and the Tourism Board.

The forum begins on Thursday, 8 May, at 7pm with an inaugural session and a keynote speech by Toni Massanés, director of the Alícia Foundation. Massanés will discuss the gastronomic value of the Calçotada and its future challenges. The following day, Friday, 9 May, will feature six themed round tables with experts covering key aspects such as gastronomy, ingredients, sustainability, socio-economic impact, and the importance of quality seals.

Expert Discussions and Networking

The forum seeks to involve producers, chefs, researchers, businesses, and institutions to position the Calçotada as a driver for tourism, promotion of local produce, and regional economic development. It also aims to establish an Observatory of the Calçotada, which will collect data and help define future strategies for the event.

This initiative by the Chambers of Commerce of Tarragona Province intends to strengthen their role as regional catalysts and reinforce the link between tradition, innovation, and economic promotion. The event is officially included in the World Region of Gastronomy programme.

Attendees interested in the round tables can register on the Valls Chamber of Commerce website, www.cambravalls.com.

Programme Highlights

Thursday, 8 May

  • 7pm, Biblioteca Popular: Inaugural ceremony of the First Calçotada Forum, with attendees including Dolors Farré, Mayor of Valls; Cristina Lagé, Director General of Tourism of the Catalan government; a representative from the Tarragona Provincial Council Tourism Board; and Josep M. Rovira, President of the Valls Chamber of Commerce.
  • 7:30pm, Biblioteca Popular: Keynote address by Toni Massanés, director of the Alícia Foundation. Massanés, an expert in food, cooking, and gastronomic heritage, will offer a strategic look at the future of the Calçotada as a cultural and gastronomic offering. He will emphasise its authenticity, local products, and potential for territorial and economic promotion.
  • Following the conference, attendees can enjoy a cava and nuts reception to encourage networking among sector agents.
  • 9pm, Restaurant La Licorera Vallenca: A guided Calçotada tasting dinner, featuring dishes inspired by the traditional Calçotada, paired with 10 selected wines and cavas. The dinner costs €50 per person and requires prior registration via email. Marca Gaià organises this event.

Friday, 9 May

From 8:30am to 5pm at the Biblioteca Popular, six themed round tables with recognised experts will take place:

  • 8:30am: Accreditations and welcome coffee.
  • 9am: Welcome by the presenter.
  • 9:10am: Round table: “Gastronomic Analysis of the Calçotada”.
  • 10:30am: Round table: “Mestral Flour and Calçotada Bread”.
  • 11:30am: Round table: “Calçotada Sauce”.
  • 12:50pm: Round table: “Socio-economic Impact of the Calçotada”.
  • 1:45pm: Standing networking lunch.
  • 3:30pm: Round table: “Sustainable Calçotada”.
  • 4:15pm: Round table: “Products with Quality Seals”.
  • 5:15pm: Closing remarks by Cristina Massot, Secretary General of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food, and Joan Ibarra, Valls City Council's Councillor for Tourism.