AYC arose out of NORA's strategic focus on strengthening local value chains and creating new opportunities for North Atlantic communities. The initiative brings together young chefs from the region in a forum that uses gastronomy as a cultural mediator and as a driver of innovation. By incorporating local ingredients and sustainable practices, AYC demonstrates how tradition and talent can be translated into solutions that address the challenges global food systems face.
The Nordic region's Expo 2025 activities took place in the Nordic Pavilion. Here, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, working together with the Nordic Council of Ministers, presented shared values and solutions for the green transition, food, quality of life and a range of other issues. AYC was used as an example of Nordic cooperation during Nordic Food Day, where the concept demonstrated how circular principles and sustainable, local food production can be put into practice.
In connection with the AYC event, NORA organised a visit to Tsuji Culinary Institute, Japan's largest culinary school with some 3,000 students. A masterclass held during the visit paired AYC participants with apprentice chefs, who learned about smørrebrød and the traditions that surround this Nordic mainstay. The success of the visit provides a basis for further culinary activities focused on shared challenges and traditions.
NORA's participation at Expo 2025 illustrates how regionally rooted Nordic initiatives can play an active role in global contexts: by bringing together talented young chefs, local ingredients and sustainable solutions, AYC strengthens the region's profile and creates new opportunities for collaboration across borders and industries. At the same time, our presence served to define the North Atlantic as an innovative region and build relations with stakeholders from outside the region.
AYC is just one of many valuable Nordic initiatives that could have been chosen for Expo 2025. That the choice fell to AYC speaks to NORA's reputation and credibility. But being invited to take part is more than just recognition; it is an important step in our work to connect local strengths with global opportunities.
The product of a targeted and strategic focus, AYC is a concept whose impact reaches far beyond its North Atlantic roots. It stands as an example of how Nordic values can be translated into practice — and how NORA can serve as a link between local initiatives and global agendas.
