Slow Food
Slow Food is a global non-profit movement founded in 1986 in Bra, Italy, promoting good, clean, and fair food through biodiversity programs, educational initiatives, advocacy, and a grassroots network spanning more than 160 countries and one million individual members.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1986
- HeadquartersBar, Italy
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What Slow Food does
Slow Food is a global grassroots movement, legally constituted as the Slow Food Foundation, a non-profit organization headquartered in Bra, Italy, with an advocacy office in Brussels. Founded in 1986 by Carlo Petrini in response to the opening of a McDonald's near Rome's Spanish Steps, the organization promotes food that is 'good, clean, and fair' across more than 160 countries, reaching over one million individual members. Its core operational asset is a network of local chapters called Convivia, complemented by thematic networks (Terra Madre, Slow Wine Coalition, Slow Food Coffee Coalition, Cooks' Alliance), biodiversity programs (Ark of Taste catalog, Presidia, Earth Markets, Food Gardens in Africa, Slow Food Travel), an affiliated University of Gastronomic Sciences, and flagship events including Terra Madre, Cheese, and Slow Wine Fair. The organization also runs school-garden and educational programs and political advocacy targeting EU and international policy frameworks.
The movement does not sell a technology product; its platform consists of a multilingual website (eight languages), three newsletter streams (International, Educational, Advocacy), a podcast, and event infrastructure. Distribution occurs through Convivia chapters (volunteer-led), Earth Markets (direct producer-to-consumer venues), and flagship events. Revenue is generated through donations (donate.slowfood.com), individual membership subscriptions, branded merchandise sales (slowfood.teemill.com), and event participation fees. Customer segments span individual consumers, small-scale food producers, professional cooks, volunteer activists, institutional partners, and corporate supporters.
As of 2026, the organization is navigating a leadership transition following the death of founder Carlo Petrini in May 2026, with current President Edward Mukiibi. Recent strategic activity includes the first Asia-Pacific regional conference in Bacolod, Philippines (November 2025), a strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia's Royal Commission for AlUla (October 2024), and continued build-out of thematic coalitions and educational scholarship programs.
Slow Food firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Slow Food
- Legal name
- Slow Food Foundation
- Website
- https://slowfood.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1986
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- Slow Food is a global non-profit movement founded in 1986 in Bra, Italy, promoting good, clean, and fair food through biodiversity programs, educational initiatives, advocacy, and a grassroots network spanning more than 160 countries and one million individual members.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Slow Food industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Sustainable Food Movement and Advocacy
- akta.pro primary industry
- Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems (Fair Trade, Food Access, Regenerative) (BPAGALAD)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems (BPAGAGAI), Resilient Livelihoods & Climate-Smart Food Security (BPADAJAH)
Keywords
Where Slow Food is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Bar
- HQ country
- Italy
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices2 records
Markets served
Slow Food business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Technology or R&D, Others
Revenue model
- Donations and Contributions: The organization accepts donations through its donate.slowfood.com platform, supporting the movement's activities and programs.
- Membership: Individuals can become members of the Slow Food movement through join options on the website.
- Merchandise Sales: The organization operates an online shop through slowfood.teemill.com selling branded merchandise.
- Event Participation Fees: Major events such as Terra Madre, Cheese (world's largest raw milk cheese event), and Slow Wine Fair generate revenue through participant registration and attendance.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels7 records
Slow Food product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Slow Food is a global grassroots nonprofit movement that promotes "good, clean, and fair food" through interconnected biodiversity programs (Ark of Taste, Presidia, Earth Markets, Cooks' Alliance, Food Gardens in Africa, Slow Food Travel), educational initiatives, policy advocacy, and member events such as Terra Madre. It operates a global network of local Convivia chapters in 160+ countries, connecting individual consumers, small-scale food producers, cooks, activists, companies, and institutions around sustainable food systems.
Product overview
Slow Food is a global grassroots movement (not a single unified product but rather a platform of interconnected programs and initiatives) promoting 'good, clean and fair food for everyone.' The organization offers a portfolio of interconnected biodiversity programs including the Ark of Taste (cataloging endangered food products), Presidia (producer groups protecting traditional techniques), Earth Markets (international farmer markets), Cooks' Alliance (network of sustainable cooks), Food Gardens in Africa (community gardens), and Slow Food Travel (sustainable tourism). These programs are supported by educational initiatives through school gardens and training, advocacy work targeting policy makers, thematic networks like the Slow Wine Coalition and Coffee Coalition, and communication channels including newsletters. The movement also organizes flagship events including Terra Madre (global food community gathering) and Cheese (world's largest raw milk cheese event).
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Terra Madre: International network of food communities, chefs, and producers committed to sustainable food systems
- Ark of Taste
- Slow Food Presidia
- Earth Markets
- Slow Food Cooks' Alliance
- Slow Food Travel
- Slow Food Coffee Coalition
- Slow Food Wine Coalition
- Food Gardens in Africa
Products and services
- Ark of Taste The world's catalog of cultural and traditional biodiversity related to food and agriculture, identifying thousands of plant varieties, animal breeds, and traditional food products at risk of extinction. Aimed at consumers, researchers, and producers seeking to preserve endangered food heritage.
- Presidia Groups of producers committed to preserving and passing on traditional production techniques and crafts, protecting native breeds and plant varieties from extinction. Targeted at small-scale farmers, herders, fishers, and food artisans.
- Earth Markets International network of markets following Slow Food principles, where small producers, artisanal fishermen, and food craftsmen sell only what they produce at fair prices. Serves producers and consumer shoppers in local communities worldwide.
- Cooks' Alliance Global community of cooks committed to protecting agricultural biodiversity while safeguarding food knowledge and local cultures, serving as ambassadors of local producers. Aimed at professional cooks and chefs.
- Food Gardens in Africa Network of school and community gardens across Africa preserving biodiversity, championing traditional knowledge, and endorsing small-scale agriculture. Aimed at schools, communities, and smallholders in Africa.
- Slow Food Travel Sustainable tourism model connecting inquisitive travelers with Slow Food communities, promoting immersive experiences that combine gastronomic traditions with culture and conviviality. Targeted at travelers seeking food and cultural experiences.
- Slow Wine Coalition Network bringing together everyone involved in wine production to promote sustainable and fair wine practices. Targeted at wine producers, distributors, sommeliers, and consumers.
- Terra Madre Network Global network of food communities including farmers, fishers, shepherds, cooks, and food artisans from over 100 countries, organized around the principles of sustainable food systems. Includes flagship events such as Terra Madre, Cheese, and Slow Wine Fair.
- University of Gastronomic Sciences University founded by Slow Food in northern Italy dedicated to gastronomic sciences, agroecology, and sustainable food systems education. Serves students and food professionals seeking higher-education credentials in the field.
- Slow Food Advocacy Political advocacy work targeting European and international decision-makers to shape food and farming policies toward fair and regenerative systems. Operates through the Brussels office and campaign toolkits.
- Slow Food Education Programs Range of educational activities including school gardens, exchanges, training programs, online seminars, and practical workshops for food professionals, educators, and consumers.
- Slow Food Newsletter Service Monthly digest newsletters including International, Educational, and Advocacy editions providing updates on network news, policy developments, and events. Targeted at members and the general public.
Quantifiable outcome
- Nearly 500,000 individuals engaged in training and educational activities through Gardens in Africa between 2010-2021
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Slow Food
Customer profileSegments6 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Slow Food technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Slow Food partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
One partnership is on record.
- Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU)corePartnership to promote sustainable agriculture and local culinary traditions in AlUla, Saudi Arabia. The collaboration supports initiatives including a culinary arts centre, food festivals, and workshops to encourage sustainable food practices and cultural preservation. This partnership extends Slow Food's reach into the Middle East region.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Slow Food competitors and assessment
Company assessmentMarket position
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks2 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Slow Food social profiles
Digital presenceSlow Food financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Slow Food leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
Slow Food subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries2 records
Slow Food funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Slow Food M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Slow Food
What does Slow Food do?
Slow Food is a global grassroots nonprofit movement that promotes "good, clean, and fair food" through interconnected biodiversity programs (Ark of Taste, Presidia, Earth Markets, Cooks' Alliance, Food Gardens in Africa, Slow Food Travel), educational initiatives, policy advocacy, and member events such as Terra Madre. It operates a global network of local Convivia chapters in 160+ countries, connecting individual consumers, small-scale food producers, cooks, activists, companies, and institutions around sustainable food systems.
Is Slow Food a public or private company?
Slow Food is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Slow Food founded?
Slow Food was founded in 1986. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Slow Food based?
Slow Food is headquartered in Bar, Italy, in the Europe region.
How does Slow Food make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Donations and Contributions are the primary driver. The others are membership, merchandise Sales and event Participation Fees.
Does Slow Food have an API?
No public API is recorded for Slow Food.
What industry is Slow Food in?
Slow Food's product category is Sustainable Food Movement and Advocacy. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGALAD, Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems (Fair Trade, Food Access, Regenerative), with a secondary code of BPAGAGAI, Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems.