June 24, 2026 #Diverse Chile #Chilean cuisine

Fuego Awards 2026: Chilean Cuisine Emerges as a Driving Force for Identity and Development

The ninth edition of the country's premier culinary award highlights the talent, innovation, and regional contributions of an industry that is key to Chile's image around the world.

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On June 26, the application process begins for the ninth edition of the Fuego Awards, a call for entries that seeks to highlight those who, from different regions, are developing a cuisine with its own identity and global reach, thereby contributing to Chile’s standing through its culinary heritage.

Organized by the Chilean Gastronomic Federation (FEGACH), these awards have established themselves as the industry’s premier recognition, honoring professionals, organizations, and initiatives that contribute to the growth of a sector that, in recent years, has gained prominence as part of the country’s overall experience.

In this regard, Sernatur’s acting national director, Santiago Fernández, stated: “We are convinced that gastronomy is a fundamental element of the national tourism industry,” adding that this initiative “helps showcase Chilean gastronomy, strengthening its position and visibility both nationally and internationally.”

For his part, FEGACH President Patricio Riquelme highlighted the sector’s potential, noting that “Chilean gastronomy has enormous potential to become one of the country’s major drivers of economic, cultural, and tourism development,” while also emphasizing the need to “continue strengthening and recognizing our human capital.”

Fire from North to South

There will be seven categories in this edition, including Gastronomic Professional of the Year, Regional Contribution to Chilean Cuisine, Professional in Fields Related to Cuisine, Gastronomic Educator, Regional Gastronomic Identity, Written or Audiovisual Gastronomic Communication, and Gastronomic Innovation.

Nominations must be sponsored by institutions or organizations associated with the culinary sector and will be accepted through August 21, 2026; the awards ceremony will take place on September 29, 2026.

FEGACH Executive Director Jorge Ortega called for participation, noting that “this distinction is already part of our culinaryhistory, and inviting “institutions, organizations, trade associations, companies, educational institutions, and stakeholders throughout the culinary industry” to be part of the process.

For more details, rules, and the application process, visit premiosfuego.cl.

Learn more in the FEGACH press release.