Hotel and Catering Association of Zambia (HCAZ) President Christopher Nsenje has called for greater collaboration among stakeholders to support the growth of Zambia’s gastronomy industry.
Speaking at the second edition of the Zambia Gastronomy Awards held yesterday at Mkango Golfview Hotel, Mr Nsenje said gastronomy is more than food on a plate, as it represents Zambia’s history, identity, culture and traditions.
“Gastronomy is far more than food on a plate. It is the art and the science of good eating, the marriage of food, culture and tradition, and now of innovation,” Mr Nsenje said.
He said food represents Zambia’s history, identity and traditions, which should be preserved and passed on to future generations.
Mr Nsenje called for collaboration among the Government, corporate sector, tourism, agriculture and other stakeholders to support the growth of the gastronomy industry.
Meanwhile, Zambia Gastronomy Awards founder Sonika Mbewe called for increased sponsorship and funding to enable the awards to grow and benefit more players in the food industry.
Ms Mbewe said the awards bring together hotels, chefs, food vendors, musicians and other service providers, thereby creating employment opportunities.
“A lot of people benefit from the awards the hotels, the chefs, the food vendors. It is a whole industry that comes together,” she said.
And Tourism Council of Zambia board member Chanda Mwale said gastronomy is an important component of tourism and could contribute to the country’s target of five million tourist arrivals.
Ms Mwale said tourists are not only interested in Zambia’s landscapes but also want to experience the country’s culture through its food and traditions.
“Tourists do not just come to see our landscapes, they come to immerse themselves in our culture,” Ms Mwale said.
Ms Mwale urged young chefs, hotels and restaurant owners to continue investing in skills and innovation to promote Zambian cuisine.