Montpellier Global Days 2026: From AOCs to Sustainable Food Systems

[Press Release] - Published on June 17, 2026 in Press Room, Scientific Appeal

On June 23 and 24, the University of Montpellier and its partners in the I-SITE Program of Excellence are organizing the 2026 edition of Montpellier Global Days. Titled “Food, People, Planet,” this international event focuses on quality standards in food and honors those who contribute to the production, preservation, and promotion of high-quality food. The program includes a gourmet opening night and a scientific session designed to foster discussions on the connections between food, regions, and major environmental, climate, and nutritional challenges.

The concept of “designation of origin” was born in 1925 in the heart of the Aveyron region when Roquefort—the first French cheese to receive this type of distinction—was certified. In 1935, the creation of the Appellations d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) marked a new chapter in the history of French winemaking. Since then, this commitment to recognizing and protecting locally rooted products has expanded to include numerous food quality labels. Today, these standards constitute an essential pillar of sustainable food systems, combining the protection of local regions, the promotion of traditional know-how, product traceability, and nutritional quality. But beyond labels, specifications, and certification systems, their vitality also depends on the people who bring them to life: they are the result of human commitments that are essential to their preservation.

The 2026 edition of Montpellier Global Days will highlight these various dimensions through four iconic sectors: wine, shellfish, rice, and coffee. In doing so, it will offer a fresh perspective on the major environmental and nutritional challenges addressed by the University of Montpellier and its partners, at the intersection of its three pillars: “Feed – Heal – Protect.”

A unique dialogue between knowledge and flavors

Nothing beats a tasting to appreciate the subtleties of research and better understand the challenges facing our plates, our regions, and our societies. On June 23, an opening night—accessible by invitation and registration—will kick off the event with a gourmet prelude in the exceptional setting of the Jardin des Plantes. Moderated by Didier Thomas-Radux, a journalist at Midi Libre, a roundtable discussion will bring together four prominent figures from the worlds of gastronomy and agriculture: Gabriela Benicio, sommelier at the Äponem restaurant in Vailhan; Michel Blanc, director of projects and development for the Association of Châteauneuf-du-Pape Winegrowers; Laurent Cherchi, executive chef at the Reflet d’Obione restaurant in Montpellier; and Florent Tarbouriech, oyster farmer at Maison Tarbouriech in Marseillan.

An International Scientific Conference on Quality Standards

The Montpellier Global Days will continue on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at the Institute of Botany with an international day of scientific exchange. Kicked off by Philippe Augé, president of the University of Montpellier, the event will bring together researchers, professionals, institutions, and partners from Europe, Africa, North America, Central America, and Asia around a common goal: to exchange perspectives and strengthen international cooperation across four flagship sectors—viniculture and wine, shellfish farming, coffee, and rice.

Each sector will be the focus of a scientific session bringing together researchers, local governments, local stakeholders, and international partners. Discussions will focus in particular on legislation and regulation, nutrition and health, sustainable food systems, the impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss, as well as regional and community dynamics. Two poster sessions will also showcase the work of doctoral researchers from the FOODS Global Doctoral Platform on the topic of nutrition and food systems.