Slow Food Movement

While America's biggest cultural export seems to have been food that is high in salt and saturated fat and designed be be eaten on the go, the food culture in many European countries is very different.

Food is seen as a social activity to be enjoyed with family and friends, to take time to shop for good quality ingredients, carefully prepare the meal and later to enjoy eating excellent food and wine.

It is therefore unsurprising that a European backlash against fast food emerged in the shape of the Slow Food Movement.

Formed in 1976 by Carlo Petrini in Barolo, some 70 kilometres south of Turin, the movement exists to aid food and wine culture by promoting high quality, naturally grown ingredients and the defence of traditional methods in the face of the globalization of the food industry.

With a world-wide membership, the Slow Food Movement has various publications in numerous languages and organises many events, such a food and wine tasting.

Salone Internazionale del Gusto is a biennial event organised by the Slow Food Movement. It will take place at Turin's Lingotto Exhibition Centre from 26-30 October 2006.

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