Carlo Petrini, Founder of Slow Food, Passes Away at 76
Carlo Petrini, Founder of Slow Food, Passes Away at 76
Visionary leader behind the global movement for good, clean and fair food for all leaves an enduring legacy
On May 21 2026, in the town of Bra (Italy), Carlo Petrini passed away at the age of 76.
A visionary leader and public intellectual with a profound commitment to the common good, human relationships, and the natural world, Carlo Petrini founded Slow Food, the international Terra Madre gathering, and the University of Gastronomic Sciences in Pollenzo. Through these initiatives, he brought to life a global movement rooted in the values of good, clean, and fair food for all, connecting communities, farmers, food artisans, cooks, activists, and young people across the world.
“Those who sow utopia reap reality” - a phrase Carlo Petrini loved to say - encapsulates his life. He firmly believed that dreams and visions, when they are just, capable of inspiring collective participation, and pursued with conviction, are not impossible to achieve.
He combined the ability to dream with a deep sense of joy and collective purpose, paving concrete paths toward social change. His work was always rooted in collaboration with others, especially younger generations, and guided by passion, empathy and fraternity.
His energy, his determination, and his lifelong dedication to others will remain a guiding force for the entire Slow Food movement and for all those who shared his vision.
Read the full biography: https://www.slowfood.com/blog-and-news/the-biography-of-carlo-petrini/
Explore key moments from Carlo Petrini’s life and work: https://www.slowfood.com/blog-and-news/39686-2/
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