Sibiu, European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2019 is developing trendsetting initiatives meant to support local food producers and widen the access of citizens to local fresh products.
An excellent example is Cibin Market (Sibiu’s local central market) being it the first in Romania to equip its stalls with POS to allow card payments, starting from 14 June 2019.
As Forbes Romania reports, this pilot project was developed by Mastercard and the Association of Market Administrators of Romania (AAPR), in partnership with Patria Bank, and benefits from the support of the Municipality of Sibiu and the consortium of Sibiu, European Region Gastronomy awarded 2019.
The initiative was set up following a study commissioned by Mastercard demonstrating that nine out of ten adults living in the urban area use their card to shop on average twice a week. The main aim is thus to attract to the local market those people who prefer to pay with card but wish to pursue a healthier lifestyle based on the consumption of fresh local fruits and vegetables found in the local market.
In the next future, it is hoped to implement the project it in many other cities across the country.
About the European Region of Gastronomy
Candidate and awarded Regions of Gastronomy from Europe, guided by IGCAT, are working together to raise awareness about the importance of their cultural and food uniqueness; stimulate creativity and gastronomic innovation; educate for better nutrition; improve sustainable tourism standards; highlight distinctive food cultures; and strengthen community well-being.
About IGCAT
IGCAT aims to empower local communities by raising awareness of the importance to safeguard and promote distinct food, culture, arts and sustainable tourism assets. This is essential to balance against globalised food trends that are impacting on our planet, health and local economies.
IGCAT is a non-profit institute established in 2012, working with regional stakeholder consortiums in the fields of gastronomy, culture, arts and tourism. It counts on the expertise of a worldwide network of experts and works in partnership with specialised intergovernmental organisations.
IGCAT provides the Region of Gastronomy Award and is the official secretariat for the European Region of Gastronomy Platform. Furthermore, the Institute has developed the European Young Chef Award the Local Food Gift Challenge, the Top Visitor Experience and the Food Film Menu.