Creative competition: 25,000 euros for innovative gastronomy ideas!

Creative competition: 25,000 euros for innovative gastronomy ideas!

A fresh wind is blowing through the gastronomy of the Upper Lusatian heath and pond landscape. The Association for the Development of the Upper Lusatian Heath and Pond Landscape e.V. has called for a creative competition “New Ways for Gastronomy” to find innovative ideas to support the hospitality industry and promote regional products. The aim is to strengthen gastronomy in the region and provide sustainable impulses for rural areas. The deadline for submission of all project ideas is August 4th, 2025. Selected contributions will then be awarded by a jury on September 29th, 2025. Those interested can find detailed information on the [Wittichenau] website (https://wittichenau.de/ohtl-vergleich-neue-wege-fuer-die-gastronomie/).

The OHTL region, which includes Bautzen, Weißenberg, Wittichenau and twelve surrounding communities, offers participants the opportunity to submit their projects in two categories. Projects with a budget of over 10,000 euros, such as expanding outdoor dining or setting up vending machines, fall into category A. In category B, ideas under 10,000 euros can be submitted, such as designing menus or marketing regional products. A total of 25,000 euros in prize money is available.

Promotion of regional products

An important element of the competition is raising awareness of regional products. More and more people are attaching importance to a sustainable lifestyle, and the catering industry is also required to take measures here. The decision to use seasonal and regional ingredients not only helps reduce environmental impact, but also supports the local economy and increases the attractiveness of catering establishments. Local producers can therefore benefit from the collaboration and reach new target groups. One suggestion, as SumUp describes, would be to switch to fresh products that are in harmony with natural growth cycles.

Participants in the competition can expect to benefit not only from the financial incentives, but also from the opportunity to publicly present their projects and get in touch with other players in the industry. The awards ceremony is planned for November 2025 and will further strengthen the sense of community in the region.

Projects of gastronomic value

Some of the required projects could include, among other things, the introduction of bilingual offerings or the improvement of the cycle tourism infrastructure. With a creative approach, numerous ideas can be realized that not only benefit gastronomy, but also the entire region. Each actor is only allowed to submit one idea and must ensure that it is implemented within two years of the award. The detailed conditions of participation can be found on the Wochenkurier website.

The competition offers an excellent platform for anyone who has a knack for innovative catering projects and wants to create sustainable solutions. Together, the OHTL region can become stronger, more colorful and tastier. The path to more conscious gastronomy leads through creative ideas and a love of regional products in the kitchen!