“While the Torribera Mediterranean Center will have a strong, physical presence here at the University of Barcelona, the work of the center will embrace the entire Mediterranean Basin and will have impacts internationally, as we work with other collaborators to enhance the health and sustainability of global food systems and dietary patterns. At the same time, working with our colleagues at The Culinary Institute of America, we have to redouble our efforts to preserve this gift of heritage that is the Mediterranean Diet, for this and future generations worldwide.”

“The traditional Mediterranean Diet is the most heavily researched and documented cultural model for healthy eating. This ground-breaking academic center will, for the first time, bring together academics, chefs, other professionals, and business leaders from around the world to accelerate positive impacts tied to this delicious UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. As part of our continuing global outreach, we are honored to co-launch this partnership with the University of Barcelona to underscore the enhanced role that interdisciplinary scholarship, translational research, and marketplace innovation needs to play in advancing healthy, sustainable food choices.”