Slow Food

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.

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

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

• Sustainable food movement
• Biodiversity preservation
• Food advocacy network
• Community-led agriculture
• Gastronomic education

Headquarters

HQ city

Bar

HQ country

Italy

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Contributions: The organization accepts donations through its donate.slowfood.com platform, supporting the movement's activities and programs.
2. Membership: Individuals can become members of the Slow Food movement through join options on the website.
3. Merchandise Sales: The organization operates an online shop through slowfood.teemill.com selling branded merchandise.
4. 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

Core 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

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 October 2024Partnership 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

Market position

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks2 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/SlowFoodHQ
• YouTubeyoutube.com/slowfood
• Facebookfacebook.com/slowfoodinternational
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/slowfood
• Instagraminstagram.com/slow_food_official

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Slow Food