As part of the “Gastronomy of Rijeka and the Rijeka Ring” project, an educational workshop was held in Kostrena for hospitality professionals from the areas of Kostrena, Bakar, and Kraljevica. In addition to them, local producers and family farms (OPGs) also took part in the gathering. OPG Suzi, that is, our farm “Donkey Milk – OPG Lucić” from Šmrika, presented their donkey milk, which participants had the opportunity to taste.

“Gastronomy of Rijeka and the surroundings” project is a part of a broader initiative preparing the region for Kvarner – European Region of Gastronomy 2026. The organizers of the workshop were the Rijeka Tourist Board, in cooperation with Abisal, Gastronaut, the Kostrena Tourist Board, the Bakar Tourist Board, and the Kraljevica Tourist Board.

The workshop program covered current and emerging trends in gastronomy and hospitality, strategies for creating gastronomic brands, and opportunities for joint marketing through projects that aim to strengthen the gastronomic identity of Rijeka and its surrounding area. Special emphasis was placed on the promotion of local dishes and indigenous ingredients, which are set to become key promoters of the region.

Activities like this one are an excellent opportunity to further promote the gastronomy of our region. They also represent a valuable chance to connect the local gastronomic and hospitality community, encourage the exchange of knowledge and ideas, and jointly prepare for the year 2026, when Kvarner will carry the prestigious title of European Region of Gastronomy.