Carlo Petrini, Founder of Slow Food, Dies at 74
Carlo Petrini, the Italian food advocate and founder of the Slow Food movement, has died at the age of 74, according to multiple reliable reports. Petrini, who passed away on January 20, 2023, in his hometown of Bra, in the Cuneo province of Italy, was a pivotal figure in promoting sustainable food systems and cultural heritage.
The Legacy of a Food Revolution
Petrini founded Slow Food in 1986 as a response to the rise of fast food and industrial agriculture. The movement, which emphasizes “good, clean, and fair” food, has grown into a global network with over 100,000 members across 160 countries. His work inspired initiatives like the Salone del Gusto food fair and the Terra Madre global symposium, which bring together farmers, chefs, and activists to advocate for food sovereignty.
“Petrini’s vision was deeply political,” said a statement from Slow Food. “He believed that food is a cultural and social right, and his efforts reshaped how the world thinks about sustainability, biodiversity, and community.”
From Local Roots to Global Impact
Petrini’s philosophy was rooted in the traditions of his native Piedmont region. He often spoke of the importance of preserving local foodways, from the Nebbiolo grape to artisanal cheese-making. In a 2022 interview with Il Sole 24 Ore, he reflected on his early days: “We were seen as communists in the 1970s, but our goal was to create a new community based on proximity and respect for local culture.”
The University of Gastronomic Sciences in Pollenzo, which Petrini established in 1999, remains a cornerstone of his legacy. The institution trains students in sustainable food practices and has become a hub for research on food security and environmental stewardship.
A Life Shaped by Passion and Principle
Born in 1949 to a mechanic and a nursery school director, Petrini’s early life was marked by a deep connection to the land. Despite failing his high school exams in technical subjects, he pursued sociology at the University of Trento, though he left before completing his degree. “I believed experience mattered more than formal education,” he once said.
Petrini’s personal life was intertwined with the cultural elite of Italy. He counted authors like Primo Levi and philosophers like Norberto Bobbio among his friends, and his home in the Castello di Verduno became a gathering place for thinkers and food lovers.
Remembering a Visionary
Friends and colleagues describe Petrini as a relentless advocate for change. Gabriella Burlotto, a pioneering sommelier and long-time associate, recalled, “He had a gift for making the complex accessible. His passion for food was inseparable from his commitment to justice.”
As the world grapples with climate change and food inequality, Petrini’s ideas remain urgently relevant. Slow Food continues to champion agroecology, seed preservation, and the rights of small-scale farmers—a testament to his enduring influence.
Key Takeaways
- Carlo Petrini, founder of Slow Food, died on January 20, 2023, at 74.
- Slow Food, established in 1986, promotes sustainable, local, and culturally significant food systems.
- Petrini’s work inspired global initiatives like the Salone del Gusto and Terra
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