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Slow Food founder Carlo Petrini dies aged 76
TL;DR
Carlo Petrini, founder of the Slow Food movement, has died at 76 in Italy. He dedicated four decades to promoting sustainable food production and traditional cooking.
Key points
- Carlo Petrini died at age 76 in Italy
- He founded the Slow Food movement in 1986
- The movement promotes sustainable food production
- Petrini connected communities and food artisans globally
- He was friends with King Charles III and Pope Francis
Mentioned in this story
Carlo PetriniSlow FoodKing Charles IIIPope Francis
Slow Food pioneer Carlo Petrini, who spent four decades promoting sustainable food production and traditional cooking, has died aged 76 in his Italian hometown.
He founded the movement with a small group of friends in the countryside following protests against the opening of Italy's first McDonald's in 1986.
It quickly spread through the country and eventually expanded into more than 160 others, with Petrini as its president. He became friends with King Charles III and the late Pope Francis through his campaigning.
Announcing his death, the organisation said Petrini had been a visionary who "brought to life a global movement rooted in the values of good, clean, and fair food for all".
His work connected "communities, farmers, food artisans, cooks, activists, and young people across the world", it added.
Italian President Sergio Mattarella said his death left a "huge void not only in the world of food and wine science, but also in society as a whole, and not just in Italy".
Petrini, who was a journalist, set up the grassroots movement under the name Arcigola shortly after demonstrations against McDonald's opening a restaurant in Rome's Piazza di Spagna.
By 1989, the Slow Food Manifesto was signed by over 20 global delegates - pledging to "escape the tediousness of fast-food" by "defending old-fashioned food traditions".
The movement emphasises quality, environmental sustainability and equitable conditions for producers.
His work saw him become friends with King Charles, as the pair bonded over their shared beliefs in fresh and sustainable food.
And in 2013, Petrini said he was "surprised" when Pope Francis telephoned him after he had sent him a book and a letter.
He told Italian newspaper La Repubblica: "Our phone conversation ended, with wishes of good health and a mutual embrace.
"A world in which one can fraternally embrace a Pope is truly a beautiful world."
He died on Thursday in Bra, a town in Italy's north-western Piedmont region, Slow Food said.
The Reuters news agency reported that he had in recent years been diagnosed with cancer.
Q&A
What was Carlo Petrini's contribution to sustainable food?
Carlo Petrini founded the Slow Food movement, advocating for sustainable food production and traditional cooking over four decades.
How did the Slow Food movement start?
The Slow Food movement began in 1986 in response to protests against Italy's first McDonald's, initiated by Petrini and a group of friends.
Who were some notable figures Carlo Petrini connected with?
Carlo Petrini developed friendships with King Charles III and the late Pope Francis through his advocacy for sustainable food practices.
