Goodbye to Carlo Petrini, founder of Slow Food

May 2026

A visionary who transformed the way we think about food, agriculture, and communities.

On the evening of Thursday, May 21, 2026, in Bra, Carlo Petrini passed away, founder of Slow Food and a central figure in spreading a food culture built on respect for the land, biodiversity, and communities.

A gastronome, journalist, and promoter of a fairer and more sustainable food system, Petrini founded Slow Food in 1986, growing it over time into an international network present in more than 160 countries. His vision also gave rise to Terra Madre and the University of Gastronomic Sciences in Pollenzo, projects that helped change the way the world talks about food, agriculture, and sustainability.

With his thinking and his ability to bring together people, producers, young people, and communities, Carlo Petrini left a profound mark on the international agri-food and cultural sector.

SANA Food joins in the grief of the Slow Food family and of all those who shared Carlin's journey, safeguarding his legacy and vision.

At this link, Slow Food's tribute.