Three initiatives receive contribution from Start-up budget Regional products

Lisa’s Chocoladeatelier is developing a cycle route past historic sites linked to the Zaan food industry and the ingredients used in its artisanal chocolate. Along the way, visitors discover not only the flavours of the region, but also the story behind the raw materials and the rich history of the Zaan food sector. By linking heritage, leisure and local produce, the initiative brings the Zaan region to life in an innovative way.

In November, the Nicolaashoeve is organising an open farm day where visitors can learn about farm life and the produce grown on the farm itself. Visitors will be given a behind-the-scenes look at the dairy farm, the milking robots, the calves and the farm shop. The day will conclude with a stew buffet, prepared with potatoes, meat, cheese, milk and other local produce from regional producers. The initiative brings visitors closer to the origins of their food and demonstrates the level of craftsmanship behind the region’s local produce.

Visit Beemster receives a grant for the ‘Chef Meets Producer’ project. In the run-up to ‘Proef de Beemster’ – a culinary event centred on the flavours of the Beemster and its producers – chefs from Beemster restaurants visit local farmers and producers. During these working visits, they learn about the story behind the products and draw inspiration for new dishes that will feature on the menus during ‘Proef de Beemster’.

The encounters and the creative process are professionally documented through photographs and short films. In addition, a temporary exhibition is being developed in which visitors can meet the producers, see their products and sample the dishes resulting from this collaboration. In this way, the project brings together local produce, gastronomy and storytelling, and contributes to a stronger culinary profile for the Zaanstreek-Waterland region.