it that Carlo Pertini founded the Slow Food movement out of a gut reaction following the opening of a Mc Donald’s restaurant in the heart of Rome, at Piazza di Spagna, although he won’t confirm nor deny the information, corroborating the myth. Carlo Petrini, “Carlin” to friends, was born in Bra, Langhe, and founded the Slow Food movement in 1986. He has embraced his little big empire with headquarters in Via della Mendicità ever since.

His mission is to promote and safeguard the authenticity, taste and quality of food while increasing distinguished food production and renovation according to ancient methods and refined traditions. He has initiated an authentic and accomplished mission, both in Italy and across the world.

Backed up by plenty friends and supporters, Slow Food today is a non-profit international association involving 40.000 individuals in Italy and over 80.000 throughout the world, covering 130 countries across the five continents. The main
philosophy is aimed at producers as well as consumers. “It is essential to disclose and to share knowledge of which producers are depositories and which represents an enormous cultural heritage. Nature and culture must travel together because they feed on each other. I believe that, today as never before, producers and consumers share a common destiny. Safeguarding the food legacy is a reciprocal obligation that can only be accomplished through a renewed feat of sharing”.

From its foundation year, Slow Food promotes the right to pleasure, on the dining table and beyond. Born as a reaction to the fast-food and fast-life expansion, Slow Food studies, defends, and spreads agricultural and food-and-wine traditions in every corner of the world, delivering today’s pleasure to future generations. It re-educates and awakens ones senses, teaches how to enjoy and taste food. Training the palate to perceive differences makes love for food a universal experience. It allows “educated” consumers to address their productive
choices towards gastronomical, environmental and social quality.

The network is composed of over 82.000 members and is divided into local offices called the Condotte in Italy and the Convivia in the rest of the world. It is coordinated by a Convivium leader which periodically organize courses, tasting
events, dinners and food-and-wine tours. Over 800 Convivia are active in 50 countries including the 400 Condotte in Italy. Organized by regional associations, there are many coordinated events including The Garrisons of Taste (“Taste Presidia”). These events focus on the distinctive traditional taste of
food.

From the Strawberries of Tortona , the Saraceno Grain of Valtellina, and the Anchovies of Montessoro down to the Potato Bread of the Garfagnana , the Chestnut’s of Montella , the Caper’s of Pantelleria and the Black Bread of
Castelvetrano. Going around Presidia has become a new and intelligent way
to visit Italy and taste its products. The vast participation and resounding success of the events organized by Slow Food has created some offsprings like the “Salone del Gusto di Torino” (Turin’s Taste Show), a biennial event, “Slow Fish” dedicated to the world of seafood, and “Cheese” the show dedicated to
cheeses and dairy products. “Terra Madre” (Mother Earth) the food communities world meeting in which members include 1583 food communities from over 150 countries, 4803 farmers, breeders, fishermen, craftsmen and chefs as well as 411 academics and administrators from 225 universities. They receive around 2320 visitors and accompanying persons for each event. Slow Food’s crown jewel, The University of Pollenzo and Colorno ,was born with the intent of coordinating the manifold knowledge and the numerous activities linked with food through the qualifying element of gastronomy.