'Buen Apetito' gastronomic schools, farms and businesses: captivating and selling the positive values of Colombian food and its related culture

‘Buen Apetito’ Colombia aims to generate economic opportunities for disadvantaged young people, small holder farmers, as well as for Colombian and Dutch social entrepreneurs in the growing agro-food and hospitality market, promoting sustainable production, preparation and consumption of nutritious food, within a corporate social responsibility framework.

Next to this, a new line of healthy snacks using local organic  ingredients has to be developed. Through this approach the access to the international market becomes more secure. The aim of the project is to set up two cooking schools and a restaurant including a business plan , training of young people in gastronomy, establish a secure market and an inclusive value chain of certified high quality organic food, establish culinary farms, and development of healthy snacks (Just Nuts).

Uncertain future, poor conditions and lack of resources make young people move to the larger cities such as Bogotá, Medellin, Calí etc. The internal armed conflict was another major contributor to the displacement of people in Colombia. It is estimated that around 10% (5 million inhabitants) of the Colombian population are displaced, amongst these people are approximately 1.2 million children and young people. This group becomes extra vulnerable due to little or no study at all. The ones that have enjoyed vocational preparations find jobs earning less than minimum wages.

In order to provide the young population a better future, education and employment are essential.

Both challenges (better access for small farmers to the local market and job opportunities for young people) are tackled with this project through the establishment of a cooking school and restaurants and the creation of a local market for certified organic products.

This project is being carried out by Icco, together with partners Just Nuts, Melting Pot Bolivia Sociedad Civil, Cooperatie Generous Minds U.A., Fundacíon Pequeno Trabajador and Fundation Escuela Taller de Bogotá.