University of Gastronomic Sciences

What University of Gastronomic Sciences does

University of Gastronomic Sciences (UNISG) is a private academic institution founded in 2004 in Pollenzo, Italy, by Slow Food in collaboration with the regions of Piedmont and Emilia-Romagna. It is the first and only university in the world dedicated exclusively to gastronomic sciences, offering undergraduate degrees (Laurea Triennale in Scienze e Culture Gastronomiche and Food Tech for Ecological Transition), graduate programs (Laurea Magistrale in Food Industry Management and Food & Planetary Health), professional masters (New Food Thinking, World Food Studies, Food Communication and Marketing), executive masters (Food Medicine, Wine Culture and Management), and continuing education through summer schools, short courses, and corporate training. The institution operates from a UNESCO World Heritage site and maintains specialized facilities including the Sensory, Behavior and Cognition (SBC) Lab with 24 individual booths for sensory analysis, the Pollenzo Food Lab for gastronomic experimentation, La Banca del Vino (a wine cellar preserving over 60,000 bottles), didactic gardens, and an academic canteen (Le Tavole Accademiche). Digital delivery runs through the UNISG+ online learning platform, Moodle, and an integrated academic portal (esse3.cineca.it).

UNISG serves a diversified customer base: prospective and enrolled students from 98 countries, food industry professionals, executive learners, and over 150 corporate and organizational partners in the agri-food sector through the UNISG NETWORK. Revenue is generated across multiple streams including tuition-based degree programs, master and executive education fees, individually priced short courses (e.g., Artisanal Wine at €600+VAT, Science in the Kitchen at €1,200, Future Scenarios Summer School at €750+VAT), corporate training and consulting through UNISG NETWORK projects, and donations and scholarships channeled via the Association of Friends of the University (€14 million invested in scholarships over 22 years; 77 scholarships awarded in 2025). Go-to-market combines direct enrollment, on-campus Open Days, industry event participation (e.g., Summer Fancy Food Show), content marketing, and dedicated regional channels including a WeChat presence for Chinese-speaking audiences.

The institution is led by President and Rector Nicola Perullo following the May 2026 passing of founder Carlo Petrini, and continues to operate with no parent company or external institutional investment evidenced in the source material.

Name

University of Gastronomic Sciences

Legal name

Università degli Studi di Scienze Gastronomiche

Website

https://unisg.it

Company type

Private

Founded year

2004

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The University of Gastronomic Sciences (UNISG) is a private Italian university founded in 2004 by Slow Food, the first institution worldwide dedicated exclusively to gastronomic sciences. It serves students from 98 countries and over 150 agri-food corporate partners through degree, master, executive, and corporate training programs at its Pollenzo campus.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Higher Education in Gastronomic Sciences

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (611310), Educational Support Services (61171)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Online International & Cross-Border Universities (Global/Transnational Providers) (EDAHALAL)

akta.pro secondary industry

University/College Continuing Education (Extension) Programs (EDAAAEAA)

Keywords

• Gastronomic sciences education
• Culinary university programs
• Food industry management
• Wine culture education
• Sustainable food studies

Headquarters

HQ city

Pollenza

HQ country

Italy

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Degree Program Tuition: Revenue from undergraduate and graduate degree programs including Laurea Triennale and Laurea Magistrale programs in gastronomic sciences, food industry management, and planetary health.
2. Master and Executive Education: Revenue from Master programs (New Food Thinking, World Food Studies, Food Communication and Marketing) and Executive Masters (Food Medicine, Wine Culture and Management).
3. Continuing Education Programs: Revenue from Summer Schools, short courses, professional development, and corporate training programs. Programs like Artisanal Wine course (€600+22% VAT) and Science in the Kitchen (€1,200 VAT incl.) are priced individually.
4. Corporate Training and Consulting: Revenue from tailored educational programs for partner companies and consulting/innovation projects through the UNISG NETWORK. Services include gastronomic ideation, product development, sensory testing, and strategic communication.
5. Donations and Sponsorships: The Association of Friends of the University manages fundraising to support university growth and development. The university receives support from Strategic Partners and Contributing Members. Donations support scholarships and research.
6. Scholarship Funding: External funding for student scholarships from supporters and corporate sponsors. In 2025, 77 scholarships were awarded. The university has invested 14 million euros in scholarships over 22 years.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

UNISG is a private university delivering higher education programs focused exclusively on gastronomic sciences, food industry management, and planetary health. It offers undergraduate and graduate degrees, academic and executive Master's programs, Summer Schools, short courses, Study Abroad experiences, and corporate training/consulting services, supported by specialized laboratories, a wine cellar, didactic gardens, and an online learning platform (UNISG+).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Laurea Triennale in Scienze e Culture Gastronomiche Three-year undergraduate degree program in Gastronomic Sciences and Cultures, designed for students seeking a multidisciplinary foundation in food systems, gastronomy, culture, and sustainability. Delivered on the Pollenzo campus.
• Laurea Triennale in Food Tech for Ecological Transition Three-year undergraduate degree program focused on food technology and the ecological transition of food systems. Delivered on the Pollenzo campus.
• Foundation Year Pre-degree foundation year program preparing students for entry into UNISG's undergraduate degrees in gastronomic sciences.
• Laurea Magistrale in Food Industry Management Two-year master's degree program in Food Industry Management for graduates seeking leadership roles in agri-food businesses, blending management, economics, and food-system knowledge.
• Laurea Magistrale in Food & Planetary Health Two-year master's degree program focused on the intersection of food systems and planetary health, sustainability, and ecological well-being.
• Master in New Food Thinking First-level academic Master's program for professionals seeking specialized expertise in food innovation and emerging food-system thinking.
• Master in World Food Studies First-level academic Master's program offering interdisciplinary study of global food systems, cultures, and policy.
• Master in Food Communication and Marketing First-level academic Master's program specializing in food communication, branding, and marketing for the agri-food sector.
• Executive Master in Food Medicine Executive Master's program combining gastronomy, nutrition, and medicine to train professionals in food-based healing approaches, for healthcare and food-sector executives.
• Executive Master in Wine Culture and Management Executive Master's program in wine culture and management, leveraging the university's La Banca del Vino wine cellar for education, tastings, and credentialing wine professionals.
• Summer School - The Art of Fermentation Four-day intensive residential Summer School on fermentation, where tradition meets science, including lessons, workshops, tastings, field visit, four lunches, one dinner, and transport. Standard fee €1,200 VAT incl.; early-bird €960.
• Summer School - Science in the Kitchen Four-day Summer School covering food science in the kitchen from field to table, including lessons, workshops, tastings, field visit, lunches, and dinner. Standard fee €1,200 VAT incl.
• Summer School - Future Scenarios of the Good Life Three-day Summer School on future scenarios of the good life, developed in collaboration with the Scienza Nuova Research Centre of the University of Turin, bridging philosophy, social sciences, gastronomy, and ecology. Fee €750 + 22% VAT; early-bird €600 + 22% VAT.
• Short Course - Artisanal Wine Two-day short course on artisanal wine covering responsibility, communication, and future, featuring masterclasses, panel discussions, and guided tastings with leading Italian artisanal producers. Fee €600 + 22% VAT; early-bird €480 + 22% VAT.
• Study Abroad Programs Custom-designed two-week immersion programs delivered at the Pollenzo campus for students of partner international universities (e.g., Harvard), combining gastronomic education with Italian food culture.
• Corporate Training (Formazione Aziendale) Tailored corporate training programs for companies and organizations, delivered on-site at the partner or at the Pollenzo campus, combining technical food expertise with soft skills inspired by food culture.
• Consulting and Third-Party Projects (Progetti Conto Terzi) Consulting and innovation projects for partner organizations through the UNISG NETWORK, including gastronomic ideation, product development, sensory testing in the SBC Lab, and strategic communication.
• UNISG+ Online Learning Platform UNISG+ digital online learning platform offering courses, exclusive content, and flexible remote learning programs inspired by the university's interdisciplinary gastronomic approach, accessible globally.

Quantifiable outcome

• 526 scholarship beneficiaries supported over 22 years with 14 million euros invested
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered secondary, core and minor.

• Scienza Nuova Research Centre (University of Turin)secondaryStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Scientific collaboration between Scienza Nuova Research Centre of the University of Turin and UNISG for the 'Future Scenarios of the Good Life' Summer School. Jointly develops interdisciplinary programs bridging philosophy, social sciences, gastronomy, and ecology.
• Talent GardensecondaryStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Collaboration for the 'Future for Food: Innovation & Business Strategies' professional development program. Talent Garden co-hosts the master program focused on expanding networks in the Food & Beverage sector.
• Slow FoodcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2004Slow Food, founded by Carlo Petrini, is the founding organization of UNISG. The partnership established the world's first university dedicated to gastronomic sciences. Slow Food continues to be a key partner in the university's mission to study food as a cultural, ecological, and social force.
• Region of Piedmont (Regione Piemonte)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2004One of the co-founders of UNISG along with Slow Food and the Region of Emilia-Romagna. The region supports the university and its mission to promote gastronomic sciences and food culture.
• Region of Emilia-RomagnacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2004One of the co-founders of UNISG along with Slow Food and the Region of Piedmont. The region supports the university and its educational mission.
• Association of Friends of the University (Associazione Amici dell'Università)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2003Not-for-profit association established in 2003 to promote and manage fundraising for the university's growth and development. Led by President Oscar Farinetti with board members including Nicola Perullo (Rector). Managing Strategic Partners, Contributing Members, and scholarship supporters.
• UNISG NETWORK (150+ Organizations)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOver 150 organizations and companies operating in the agri-food sector participate in the UNISG NETWORK. Partners include Strategic Partners, Contributing Members, and Scholarship Supporters. The network spans over 50 product sectors from production to distribution, commercial and collective catering, food packaging, and equipment.
• Harvard UniversitysecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerHarvard University conducts study abroad programs at Pollenzo, with annual visits bringing Harvard students to experience the university's gastronomic education and Italian food culture.
• Artisanal Wine Producers (Foradori, Gravner, Migliavacca, Pacina, Emidio Pepe, Tinessa)secondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerSix renowned Italian artisanal wine producers participate in the 'Artisanal Wine' short course, providing masterclasses, panel discussions, and guided tastings. Represents influential figures in the Italian wine sector.
• Reis Restaurant/FarmminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSelf-sufficient mountain restaurant at the foot of Monviso that honors age-old traditions. Partner for field visits in Summer School programs, showcasing farm-to-table concepts and artisanal fermented products.
• Sidreri Craveri e LambertiminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSmall artisanal producer dedicated to the fermentation of local fruit. Partner for field visits in fermentation programs, demonstrating artisanal cider production.
• Joia Restaurant (Milan)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVegetarian gourmet restaurant in Milan, founded by chef Pietro Leemann. Collaborated on the M'AMA natural weaning project, providing chef support for cooking demonstrations.
• URI, Sapori Condivisi RestaurantminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRestaurant that hosted a workshop dinner and aperitivo event for the 'Science in the Kitchen' Summer School program.
• Casa B Restaurant (Chef Davide Caranchini)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMichelin-starred restaurant hosting workshop dinner for fermentation course participants. Chef Davide Caranchini leads cooking session to prepare fermented dishes.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Culinary Institute of America: US-based leading culinary college offering associate and bachelor's degree programs in culinary arts, food science, and hospitality management. A direct comparator on the food-education category leader dimension with global brand recognition in culinary higher education.
• Institut Paul Bocuse: France-based institution offering undergraduate and graduate programs in culinary arts, hospitality, and food service management. Comparable to UNISG in combining academic rigor with gastronomy focus and in offering international, degree-granting programs.
• Basque Culinary Center: Spain-based degree-granting gastronomy university (faculty of Mondragon University) that is the closest international analogue to UNISG, offering multidisciplinary degrees that integrate cuisine, science, and management. Competes directly for the same niche category of dedicated gastronomic higher-education students.
• ALMA - International School of Italian Cuisine: Italy's leading dedicated culinary arts school founded by Gualtiero Marchesi. While more vocational than UNISG, ALMA targets overlapping Italian and international students interested in gastronomy-focused education and competes for the same applicant pool.

Emerging players

• Wageningen University & Research: Netherlands-based world-leading research university in food science, agrotechnology, and sustainability. While broader in scope, Wageningen competes for international students interested in food systems, sustainability, and planetary health topics that overlap with UNISG's curriculum.

Broad incumbents

• Swiss Hotel Management School: Swiss-based hospitality management school offering bachelor and master programs with culinary and food service specializations. Competes for the same international student demographic seeking Swiss-quality hospitality and food education credentials.
• Les Roches Global Hospitality Education: Switzerland-headquartered hospitality school with campuses across multiple countries offering undergraduate and graduate programs in hospitality, culinary, and food business. Overlaps with UNISG in the international food-business education segment.
• Le Cordon Bleu: Global culinary arts and hospitality education network with campuses on five continents. While broader and more vocational than UNISG, it competes internationally for aspiring culinary professionals and shares the same overall food-education end-market.
• École hôtelière de Lausanne: Switzerland-based global leader in hospitality management education with degree programs spanning hotel, restaurant, and food service management. Competes with UNISG for the international student interested in food industry careers at the management level.

Regional players

• University of Bologna: Italy's oldest university with strong programs in agricultural and food sciences. Operates in the same Italian higher-education market and competes for Italian and international students interested in food-related degrees, though from a broader traditional university platform.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/unisg
• Facebookfacebook.com/unisg.societagastronomica
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/university-of-gastronomic-sciences

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 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 University of Gastronomic Sciences