The 24th of March is European Artisanal Gelato Day. In 2016, the spotlight will be on French-speaking Belgium.
For this special day, the Royal Association of French-language Artisan Ice Cream Makers (of Belgium), which has 9 members, has created the "Royal Ice Cream". It is a mixture of pear ice cream with a Liège syrup marbling and speculoos chips. This special edition ice cream will be the flavour of the year throughout Europe.
After Austria in 2015, Belgium has been designated to develop the original flavour that will be promoted until 2017 throughout the nine participating countries. Belgium is thus working hand in hand with Austria, Italy, France, Portugal, Spain, Germany, the Czech Republic and the Netherlands.
The European Parliament launched European Artisanal Gelato Day on the 24th of March 2012, making traditionally made ice cream the only food product that is put in the spotlight once a year. On the 24th of March of this year, all customers of participating ice cream makers will be treated to a free scoop of "Royal Ice Cream". All they need to do is look out for the "European Artisanal Gelato" logo that will be displayed in all the European countries participating in the project.
The countries put in the spotlight are chosen in alphabetical order. In 2015 Austria presented a chocolate ice cream based on the "Sachertorte" recipe. After Belgium, France will be tasked with finding the taste of the year for 2017. In nine years’ time, the Royal Association of French-speaking Belgian Artisans will again be invited to present a new original taste inspired by the region’s specialities.
(Source: RTBF Info)