On 19 March 2026, the event “Gelato Innovation Challenge – Vratsa” took place at the Vocational High School of Trade and Restaurant Management – Vratsa. The initiative was organised by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Vratsa under the “GELATOn the Road” project, funded by the Creative Europe Programme.
The event brought together students from the Vocational High School of Trade and Restaurant Management – Vratsa and the Vocational High School “Aleko Konstantinov” – Mezdra, who worked in mixed teams, encouraging collaboration and the exchange of ideas. The main objective of the initiative was to present the tradition of artisanal gelato as part of Europe’s gastronomic heritage and to engage young people in the creation of innovative products inspired by local identity.
A key highlight of the programme was the participation of the local producer Home made by Maria, who delivered live demonstrations and a practical masterclass. During the session, students were introduced to the fundamentals of artisanal gelato production, the differences compared to industrial ice cream, and the importance of high-quality ingredients and balanced recipes. The hands-on experience enabled participants to gain practical insights and apply their knowledge during the competition phase.
As part of the competition, students developed concepts for new gelato flavours inspired by nature, culture, and local products. Four original flavours were created: “Tropicana Mix”, “Mango Fusion”, “Floral Freshness”, and “Imperium of Taste”, demonstrating creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurial thinking. The first prize was awarded to the team behind “Mango Fusion”, with the grand prize being the further development of the recipe by Home made by Maria and its launch on the market during the summer season.
The event clearly demonstrated how the combination of education, traditional craftsmanship and innovation can create new opportunities for local economic development and actively engage young people in sustainable and creative initiatives.
