Culinary diplomacy

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Estonian President Kersti Kaljulaid offering rose honey to French President Emmanuel Macron in 2017.

Culinary diplomacy, gastrodiplomacy or food diplomacy is a type of cultural diplomacy, which itself is a subset of public diplomacy. Its basic premise is that "the easiest way to win hearts and minds is through the stomach".[1] Official government-sponsored culinary diplomacy programs have been established in Taiwan, South Korea, [2] Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia,[3] Lebanon,[4] Peru, Israel, the United States,[5] Cambodia,[6] Japan,[7] and Nordic countries.[8]

Background and definitions

The terms "culinary diplomacy" and "gastrodiplomacy" have been in use since the early 2000s, and have been popularized by the work of public diplomacy scholars

cross-cultural understanding in the hopes of improving interactions and cooperation."[5] Whoever the target, culinary diplomacy is meant to improve the nation brand. This is theoretically achieved by changing the conversation surrounding a country to focus on an apolitical and positive facet of its culture. In a preliminary, empirical study of the gastrodiplomacy programs of several countries, gastrodiplomacy was shown to have had success in improving the nation brand.[11]

Culinary diplomacy versus gastrodiplomacy

The two terms "culinary diplomacy" and "gastrodiplomacy" are used interchangeably by many, though some scholars have differentiated the terms. Rockower, for example, claims that gastrodiplomacy refers to a tool of public diplomacy, while culinary diplomacy serves as "a means to further diplomatic protocol through cuisine".[12] Chapple-Sokol writes that both of these fall under the broad categorization of "culinary diplomacy", and differentiates between public and private culinary diplomacy.[5] The former refers to culinary diplomacy being used as a tool of public diplomacy, and more specifically cultural diplomacy, while the latter "occurs behind closed doors", akin to Rockower's definition. However, later Chapple-Sokol went on to redefine "gastrodiplomacy" as specifically the "government-to-foreign public engagement" and one of the three pillars making up the broader culinary diplomacy.[13]

Gastronationalism

Main article: Gastronationalism

Gastronationalism or culinary nationalism is a related concept involving the use of food and its history, production, control, preparation and consumption as a way of promoting nationalism and national identity. It may involve arguments between two or more regions or countries about whether a particular dish or preparation is claimed by one of those regions or countries and has been appropriated or co-opted by the others. Examples of gastronationalism include efforts by state bodies, nongovernmental bodies, businesses and business groups, and individuals.[14]: 121–124 

Examples

Cambodia

Cambodian chef Luu Meng (second from right) with his business partner Richard Gillet (second from left) in Avignon, France in 2016 promoting Cambodian cuisine

In December 2020, the

Cambodian embassies and a program for providing ambassador spouses with knowledge about the Khmer cuisine.[6]

In February 2021, the ministry published a cookbook "The Taste of Angkor" as a culinary promotion tool for Cambodian diplomatic missions abroad.[15] A 1960 Cambodian cookbook and culinary guide "The Culinary Art of Cambodia" by Princess Norodom Rasmi Sobbhana republished in May 2021 by Angkor Database was also included in the campaign.[16][17] In June 2021, a series of promotional videos under the slogan "Taste Cambodia" featuring Khmer foods and culinary activities in different Cambodian regions commissioned by the Ministry of Tourism of Cambodia were released.[18] In May 2022, culinary training and representation facilities under the name of "Angkor Kitchen" were unveiled at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.[19][20]

China

Richard Nixon and Zhou Enlai toasting at a banquet during Nixon's 1972 visit to China

The 1972 banquets at the

Taiwan's most famous chef.[21]
: 56–57 

India

Whilst Indian cuisine is already popular in many countries around the world, the Indian government has been working to popularise millets, a staple ingredient used in Indian cooking.[22]

Indonesia

An Indonesian restaurant in Hong Kong

Indonesian cuisine has traditionally enjoyed popularity in neighbouring countries; e.g. Malaysia, Singapore and Australia, as well as nations that shares historical ties with Indonesia; such as the Netherlands, Suriname, and South Africa. It is also increasingly popular in Japan and Korea.[23][24] In 2021, the Indonesian government launched the "Indonesia Spice Up The World" program as a coordinated culinary diplomacy campaign.[3][25] The programme was intended to promote Indonesian cuisine abroad, to assist Indonesian culinary industry; by helping the local spice products and processed food to find their ways into the global market, and also to assist Indonesian restaurants abroad.[26]

The "Indonesia Spice Up The World" program involves government's inter-ministerial institutions, Indonesian food industry, and also the public. The objective of the program is to boost the export value of Indonesian spices and herbs to US$2 billion, and increasing the presence of four thousand Indonesian restaurants abroad by 2024.[3][26]

Israel

In an article in the Israel Journal for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Avi Millo described how, during his posting (1996-2001), he hosted many dignitaries including the then prime minister, Professor Radu Vasile, at his residence in Bucharest. He served traditional Jewish cuisine to his guests and used it to teach them about Israeli culture, and to develop a cordial relationship with them. These meals, he stressed, facilitated conversation, trust, and eventual cooperation between himself and his interlocutors. “In Kashrut [Jewish dietary laws],” he maintained that “Israel has an important and hitherto untapped diplomatic resource. It would behoove Israeli ambassadors serving abroad to make use of it.”[27] On January 25, 2023, The Israel Council of Foreign Relations held an event at the Battae Ethiopian Israeli Heritage Center to celebrate Ethiopian–Israeli culture through food.

Malaysia

In 2006, Malaysia launched the "Malaysia Kitchen Programme" to promote the country as a Halal hub for Muslims.[28] Beginning in 2010, the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation carried out Malaysia Kitchen for the World program to showcase Malaysian food with focus on five markets: Australia, China, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States.[12] The approach, which has employed celebrity chefs such as Rick Stein and Norman Musa in the UK, has had significant impact in increasing awareness of Malaysian–themed restaurants through product promotions and cooking demonstrations at supermarkets, food festivals and an annual night market at Trafalgar Square, London.[29][30]

Peru

The Peruvian government promoted its cuisine in 2006 with "Perú Mucho Gusto", a tourism campaign that also funded national cookbooks, food festivals, and Peruvian restaurants worldwide.[28]

An official

Gaston Acurio, the owner of multiple restaurants worldwide as well as a co-creator of the documentary Perú Sabe, along with Spanish chef Ferran Adrià.[33]

The Peruvian gastronomy is promoted by its proponents as a byproduct of Peru's multicultural national identity and what anthropologist Raúl Matta defines as the “three values embedded in Latin American neoliberal societies: cultural diversity promotion, entrepreneurship and competitiveness.”[34] Through the strategic use of media and culinary champions, Peru has attained greater prestige for its cuisine among international food communities, which is evidenced by the country winning the World's Leading Culinary Destination award every year from 2012 to 2019.[35] Further examples of Peru's successful use of food to influence foreign publics include the strategic opening of Peruvian restaurants in Santiago, Chile by Peruvian nationals to facilitate immigration[36] and the economic benefits received by the Nikkei community in Lima, Peru as a result of Peru's promotion of Nikkei cuisine on the international stage.[37]

Singapore

In recent years, Singapore launched a culinary diplomacy initiative through its embassies located in various countries around the world, to promote Singaporean cuisine.[38]

In June 2021, South Korean convenience store chain CU announced that it has begun selling the Singaporean dish Kaya toast at all of their stores as part of their "Singapore Gourmet Trip series" in collaboration with the Singapore Tourism Board (STB).[39]

In October 2021, Singapore's ambassador to Japan, Peter Tan, invited local organizations to the embassy residence to eat Singaporean dishes, such as Katong laksa, as a form of food diplomacy. As part of a collaboration with Japanese supermarket Seijo Ishii [ja], such recipes became available at a limited-time "Singapore Fair".[40]

South Korea

First Lady of the Republic of Korea Kim Yoon-ok
giving a speech at the "Korean Cuisine to the World" symposium in 2009

In 2009,

Halal requirements.[43]

Taiwan

In 2010, Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs launched a £20-million culinary diplomacy campaign called "All in Good Taste: Savor the Flavors of Taiwan".[28] It promoted Taiwanese venues internationally, sponsored chefs, hosted food festivals and competitions, and emphasized elements such as bubble tea, oyster omelette, and Taiwan's night markets.[44] Taiwan has used its culinary programs to bolster its tourism sector and to conduct diplomacy in countries with which it has limited official ties.[5]

Thailand

The "

Global Thai" program, launched in 2002, was a government-led culinary diplomacy initiative. It aimed to boost the number of Thai restaurants worldwide to 8,000 by 2003 from about 5,500 previously.[10] By 2011, that number had increased to more than 10,000 Thai restaurants worldwide.[45]

The program was explained in Thailand: Kitchen of the World, an eBook published to promote the program. The point of the e-book: "In the view of the Export Promotion Department, Thai restaurants have a good business potential that can be developed to maintain a high level of international recognition. To achieve that goal, the department is carrying out a public relations campaign to build up a good image of the country through Thai restaurants worldwide."[9]: Chapter 7 

The Department of Export Promotion of the Thai

Export-Import Bank of Thailand offered loans to Thai nationals aiming to open restaurants abroad, and the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Bank of Thailand set up an infrastructure for loans of up to US$3 million for overseas food industry initiatives, including Thai restaurants.[47]

United States

Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi
in 2016

In September 2012, the United States officially launched its

American cuisine
.

Selected List of American Chef Corps

Japan

U.S. President Barack Obama and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the Sukiyabashi Jiro sushi restaurant in Tokyo in 2014.

The Japan Brand Working Group was established in 2005 and would go on to house the country's culinary diplomacy initiative, the Food Research Promotion Discussion Group (Shoku-bunka kenkyū suishin kondankai). The Japanese Restaurants Overseas (JRO) was subsequently created as a non-profit organization that invests in and helps grow restaurants offering Japanese cuisine.[28]

In 2006, the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries launched “Washoku-Try Japan's Good Food,” a campaign, presenting Japanese dishes at special events held by Japanese diplomatic missions abroad. The MAFF also established the Award for Overseas Promotion of Japanese Food along with the Executive committee for the Export Strategy and Export Expansion Policy.[49] This policy promotes seven categories of food: seafood products, rice and rice-made processed foods, forest products, flowering trees (bonsai), vegetables, beef meat and tea.

In 2010, Japan’s ministry of Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) published the report, “Towards Nation Building through Cultural Industries,” in which methods for promoting japanese cuisine and utilizing “soft power” for national cultural industry were emphasized. The report also highlighted the importance of exporting agricultural crops, processed foods, and tableware together in the marketing of Japanese cuisine, in order to carry with it elements of Japanese “authentic culture”. In December 2013, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) inscribed Washoku into the Representative List of the Intangible Heritage of Humanity.[50]

In April 2017, the Japan Food Products Overseas Promotion Center (JFOODO) was created by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), with a focus on overseas markets in promoting the Japanese agricultural, forestry, and fishery products.[51] Japanese government efforts to the promotion of washoku globally illustrates their overall commitment to gastrodiplomacy to provide a positive image of Japan.

On July 17, 2018, Japan and the European Union signed an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) working towards the liberalization of the agri-food market.[52] The EPA is the biggest trade agreement ever negotiated by the EU and contains a number of provisions that will simplify trade and investment procedures and reduce export and investment related costs.

The Club des Chefs des Chefs

The Club des Chefs des Chefs annual meeting in London (2014)

At the

Indian President
.

The 2013 meeting of the club was hosted by

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon as well as United States President Barack Obama
.

The 2014 meeting of the club was hosted by

Queen Elizabeth II.[55]

The 2015 meeting of the club took place in Switzerland and Italy, where the club visited Expo 2015 in Milan.[56]

See also

References

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  2. ^ "Culinary Diplomacy Served At Singapore Embassy". Asia Society. 2 April 2011. Retrieved 3 February 2022.
  3. ^ a b c "Indonesia Spice Up the World, Homepage". Indonesia Spice Up the World. 2021-10-29. Retrieved 2022-03-27.
  4. ^ Nohra, Rita (August 11, 2018). "Tasty Lebanon".
  5. ^
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  6. ^ a b Siow, Maria (January 3, 2021). "Cambodia is taking a pungent, potent approach to food diplomacy: prepare for prahok". South China Morning Post. Retrieved April 14, 2021.
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  13. ^ Chapple-Sokol, Samuel (28 August 2016). "A New Structure for Culinary Diplomacy". culinarydiplomacy.com. Retrieved 16 August 2018.
  14. OCLC 928396294.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link
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  16. ^ Olszewski, Peter (27 May 2021). "Right Royal Cookbook Republished". Khmer Times. Retrieved 31 May 2021.
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  30. ^ "Thousands drawn to Trafalgar Square for a taste of Malaysia". 2013-10-05.
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  33. ^ Inicio > The Documentary. "The Documentary". Peru Sabe. Archived from the original on 2012-10-13. Retrieved 2013-07-02.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
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  41. ^ Kim Hyun-cheol (2009-04-06). Global Hansik off to strong start. The Korea Times
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  52. ^ "About the EU-Japan EPA | EU Business in Japan". www.eubusinessinjapan.eu. Retrieved 2022-12-08.
  53. ^ "Le Club des Chefs des Chefs - Accueil". Club-des-chefs-des-chefs.com. 2012-06-25. Archived from the original on 2013-05-31. Retrieved 2013-07-02.
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  55. ^ "Le Club des Chefs des Chefs - Past Events". Club-des-chefs-des-chefs.com. Archived from the original on 2019-09-07. Retrieved 2015-09-02.
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External links

Look up gastrodiplomacy in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Culinary diplomacy.
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