Monterrey, Nuevo León – The Nuevo León Tourism Secretariat honored the state’s first generation of traditional chefs who completed the EC-1084 Competency Standard “Preparation of Popular and Traditional Mexican Cuisine” certification. The ceremony took place on Tuesday, August 5, at the Plaza Fátima Cultural Center, during the 10th National Information Meeting of the Conservatory of Mexican Gastronomic Culture (CCGM), attended by delegates from 30 states, education authorities, tourism specialists and national gastronomy leaders.
During the event, Secretary of Tourism Maricarmen Martínez Villarreal highlighted how formal recognition of practical culinary expertise strengthens Nuevo León’s cultural identity. “Each person who receives their certification today represents a living history of traditional cuisine. Recognizing their career also strengthens tourism with identity and prepares Nuevo León to project itself to the world, especially ahead of the 2026 World Cup,” Martínez Villarreal said.
The EC-1084 standard was jointly developed by the CCGM and officially recognized by the Ministry of Public Education. It validates skills acquired through hands-on experience in regional cooking, requiring candidates to pass both technical evaluations and practical training before receiving a nationally accredited credential.
Certification advances regional gastronomy
By professionalizing regional cuisine, the certification aims to foster job inclusion and elevate local hospitality services. Guadalupe Guidi Kawas, Undersecretary of Tourism Intelligence of Nuevo León, explained that certified chefs will play a key role in promoting authentic gastronomic experiences. Their expertise will support community-based tourism initiatives in municipalities across the state.
Gloria López Morales, president of the CCGM, underscored the importance of holding the ceremony at a central cultural venue. She noted that hosting delegates from every corner of Mexico showcases Nuevo León’s commitment to preserving and sharing its culinary traditions on a national stage.
Representatives of the National Council for Culture and Gastronomic Arts joined state and municipal officials in presenting certificates. The gathering demonstrated a coordinated effort among the Government of Nuevo León, the Conservatory of Mexican Gastronomic Culture, ARbb, the municipality of San Pedro Garza García, the Monterrey Convention and Visitors Bureau, and CANIRAC Nuevo León.
Preparing for the World Cup
This initiative aligns with broader Ministry of Tourism strategies to enhance cultural and gastronomic tourism, particularly as the state gears up to host matches during the FIFA World Cup 2026. Tourism Secretariat data forecast higher international visitor numbers, and certified chefs will ensure that newcomers enjoy authentic, high-quality Mexican fare.
By integrating traditional cooks into a formal certification framework, Nuevo León positions itself as a leader in culinary heritage preservation. The program not only safeguards techniques passed down through generations but also equips local professionals to meet global hospitality standards.
With official recognition secured and a growing network of certified chefs, Nuevo León is ready to welcome guests with dishes that celebrate its rich cultural legacy. As the 2026 World Cup approaches, the state’s unique flavors will play a vital role in promoting tourism competitiveness and regional pride.
