The World Food Travel Association (WFTA), a US-based nonprofit focused on food and beverage tourism, has launched the Taste of Place Movement to safeguard culinary culture and elevate local food producers worldwide.

The initiative aims to connect communities with authentic, place-based food experiences. The movement also addresses threats to traditional foodways, including economic pressures, rural decline, climate change, and the rapid loss of intergenerational knowledge. Many culinary artisans and small producers lack visibility and digital infrastructure, challenges the platform aims to overcome.

WFTA Executive Director Erik Wolf explained that Taste of Place differs from mainstream food and travel platforms by focusing on authenticity, cultural integrity, and social impact. The platform will include a global directory of food experiences, a digital encyclopedia of culinary culture, a global magazine highlighting overlooked communities, and a community hub for direct content contribution.

Supporters gain exclusive privileges, including nominating culinary heritage guardians and featuring content once the platform launches. In the United States, contributions are potentially tax-deductible, as WFTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organisation.

Wolf described the initiative as “a movement to honor the flavors, skills, and stories that make every place unique. And it is something you can help build from the ground up.”

Founded in 2001, WFTA provides education, research, tools, and guidance to businesses, destinations, and professionals seeking to develop and showcase unique culinary cultures. The organisation works with destination marketers and stakeholders to celebrate and preserve local food traditions globally.

Explore how the Taste of Place Movement plans to transform culinary heritage into a globally connected platform in the full story.