Carlo Petrini, the historic founder of Slow Food and a central figure in contemporary gastronomic culture, passed away in the evening of May 21 at his home in Bra. He was 76 years old.
Born in Bra in 1949, Petrini began his journey in cultural and political associations before founding Slow Food in 1986: a movement born in response to food homogenisation and the spread of fast food. What initially looked like a cultural provocation has grown into a global network now present in over 150 countries, committed to safeguarding biodiversity, local produce and gastronomic traditions. Slow Food has long since moved beyond Italy's borders to become one of the most influential international voices in the debate on food, agriculture and sustainability, connecting farmers, chefs, scholars and consumers across every continent.
Throughout his career, Petrini gave life to projects that have become international points of reference: among them Terra Madre, the major network of food communities, and the University of Gastronomic Sciences in Pollenzo, founded in 2004. Through books, conferences and grassroots initiatives, Petrini helped redefine the very concept of gastronomy, linking it to sustainability, ethics and responsible agriculture.
News of his passing immediately stirred deep emotion in political, agricultural and gastronomic circles. Slow Food, in remembering him, spoke of »a man capable of turning an intuition into a worldwide movement«, highlighting his ability to build relationships, communities and awareness around the value of food.
