A new cross-border adventure filled with flavor, creativity, and opportunity is about to begin. On October 28th, 2025, the Municipality of Vlora will proudly host the Kick-Off Meeting of the SPICE Project — an innovative initiative that unites Albania, Italy, and Montenegro in a shared mission to empower young people and women (NEETs) through the food and wine sector.

SPICE is a cross-border collaboration where culinary tradition meets innovation. The project aims to provide young people with real skills, entrepreneurial tools, and creative opportunities in gastronomy. By combining education, cultural exchange, and sustainable development, SPICE will help participants transform their passion for food into viable career paths.

One of the project’s most distinctive components is the introduction of Gastronomic Residencies — programs inspired by artistic residencies. These residencies will invite chefs, young talents, and aspiring culinary professionals to live, cook, and experiment together. Across the participating countries, they will explore local products, reinvent traditional dishes, and build bridges between cultures through food innovation.

The SPICE Project is led by the Municipality of Vlora (Albania) and implemented in partnership with Municipality of Putignano (Italy), Consorzio I Make (Puglia, Italy), GAL Molise (Italy), Municipality of Cetinje (Montenegro), Liburnetik Association (Albania).

Together, these partners are committed to promoting youth empowerment, cross-border collaboration, and sustainable growth in the Mediterranean region. As the SPICE Project officially begins, it promises to turn recipes into opportunities, traditions into innovation, and young people into the food entrepreneurs of the future.

Stakeholders, local communities, and media representatives are invited to follow the project’s development and upcoming events as this inspiring journey unfolds across borders.

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