Carlo Petrini, Founder of Slow Food, Dies at 76

The Italian food activist Carlo Petrini died on Thursday evening, 22 May, at his home in Bra, Piedmont, at age 76. Slow Food announced that he passed after a prolonged illness, did not disclose a specific cause, and noted his earlier public disclosure of a prostate-cancer diagnosis.

The Straits Times

In July 1986 Petrini and friends formed Arcigola as a direct response to the opening of a McDonald’s near Rome’s Spanish Steps (some accounts cite Piazza Navona). They staged a communal pasta meal, framing food as cultural resistance. The initiative was renamed Slow Food later that year. On 9 December 1989, delegations from more than 20 nations signed the Slow Food Manifesto in Paris, electing Petrini its first president.

Italy Slow Food founder Carlo Petrini dies

Born in Bra in 1949, Petrini guided Slow Food from a local protest to a global network. Key milestones include the 1992 launch of Slow Food Germany (13 000 members), the 1996 creation of the Ark of Taste cataloguing thousands of endangered foods, and the 2004 founding of both Terra Madre—now linking producers in over 150 countries—and the University of Gastronomic Sciences in Pollenzo, which enrolls several hundred international students. Recognitions comprise Time’s “European Hero” (2004), The Guardian’s “50 people who could save the planet” (2008), UNEP’s Champions of the Earth award (2013), and appointment as FAO’s Zero Hunger Special Ambassador (2016). The movement operates in more than 160 countries through local Convivia chapters.

Slow Food founder Carlo Petrini dies aged 76

Slow Food’s announcement described Petrini’s death as occurring after a prolonged illness, praised his “energy, extraordinary empathy, drive and example of life” as guiding forces for the movement, and highlighted his role in shaping global food policy. The organization also recalled his UN recognitions, including the UNEP Champions of the Earth award, underscoring his international impact.

Slow Food founder Carlo Petrini dies aged 76

Sources differ on the precise McDonald’s site that sparked the protest—some cite the Spanish Steps, others Piazza Navona. The cause of Petrini’s death is not disclosed; only a prior prostate-cancer diagnosis and a “long illness” are mentioned. No dissenting commentary on his legacy appears in the available reports.

Italy Slow Food founder Carlo Petrini dies

• “His energy, his extraordinary empathy, his drive and his example of life will be the force that will guide us all.” — Slow Food, statement

Italy Slow Food founder Carlo Petrini dies

• “Those who sow utopia, reap reality.” — Carlo Petrini

Slow Food founder Carlo Petrini dies aged 76

• “We don't eat computers. We eat eggplants and tomatoes.” — Carlo Petrini

Italy Slow Food founder Carlo Petrini dies

• “Do I think that one day I won't be around anymore? Yes, but I hope that I have laid the foundations for the work to continue.” — Carlo Petrini, interview with *Corriere della Sera*

Italy Slow Food founder Carlo Petrini dies

The Slow Food network continues through its Convivia chapters, upcoming Terra Madre gatherings, and the University of Gastronomic Sciences, ensuring that Petrini’s principles of good, clean and fair food remain active in policy debates, education, and grassroots projects worldwide.

Carlo Petrini and the Future of Slow Food