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The François Rabelais prize will be awarded to Carlo Petrini, the founder of the Slow Food movement, on 4 December, following previous winners, Massimo Montanari and Michel Guérard.
The prize rewards "a person for his work in the service of the enhancement of the cultural heritage of food in France or in the world", which Carlo Petrini works at daily. He is an "unstoppable protagonist of good-eating and key figure in the fight against the industrialization of food" said Philippe Gombert, president of Relais & Châteaux, "it's an honor for us to give him the Rabelais Prize."
Speaking of the award, Carlo Petrini commented: "it is an honor to receive this award and we all have the opportunity, in this crucial moment for the future of the planet, to take concrete action to defend agro-food biodiversity and to fight against global warming. Chefs can play an important role. Previously, they were the ambassadors of their lands and now it is time to take action and become protagonists of the awareness and commitment of citizens to change consumption habits. and to support a truly sustainable production. "
The Slow Food Foundation, which fights for "good, clean and fair food", was founded in Rome in 1986 in response to the opening of a fast food restaurant. Through this association, Carlo Petrini, journalist, sociologist and Italian culinary critic, wishes to rediscover the culinary pleasures and offer the status of World Heritage to food and quality wines.
Today Slow Food, partner of Relais & Châteaux in France, has 100,000 members and is present in more than 160 countries. The movement also launched the Cookers Alliance project, which brings together all chefs committed to simple promises: local, good, fair and clean products and direct and lasting relationships with producers.
