Carlin Petrini, Slow Food founder and food revolution pioneer, dies at 76

Carlin Petrini, the founder of the global Slow Food movement, has died at the age of 76. Born in Bra, Italy, in 1947, he passed away in his hometown on Thursday, March 16, 2023. His work reshaped how people think about food, sustainability, and local traditions worldwide. Petrini grew up in a politically engaged family. His grandfather helped establish the Communist Party in Bra in 1921, while his mother remained active in the party after World War II. His father worked as an auto electrician, and his mother was a kindergarten teacher.

In 1986, Petrini co-founded Arcigola in Cuneo, Piedmont, with a group of activists. Their goal was to defend regional food culture against industrialisation. Three years later, in 1989, Arcigola evolved into Slow Food, a movement promoting local, sustainable food and biodiversity. The organisation expanded rapidly, reaching 160 countries. One of its early projects, the *Osterie d’Italia* guide, launched in 1990. The guide celebrated unpretentious yet exceptional local eateries, reinforcing Slow Food’s values. A turning point came in 1998. While visiting Ristorante Da Lenin in Arbatax, Sardinia, Petrini tasted a simple but unforgettable dish: bottarga on white bread with butter. The experience, featured in the *Osterie d’Italia* guide, became a symbol of his belief in the power of local flavours.

Petrini’s legacy lives on through Slow Food’s global network. The movement continues to champion biodiversity, local sourcing, and traditional cooking. His influence on food culture remains widespread, from small Italian trattorias to international campaigns for sustainable eating.