If you want to feel entirely re-inspired about where your food comes from and the people who grow it, there is perhaps no better place on earth than Turin, Italy, during Terra Madre.
This year Diane Espley, from Slow Food Hong Kong,
and Safa Nessmarie Rodas,
Head Chef of L’ATTITUDE at the Morpheus Hotel (City of Dreams Macau),
from Slow Food Macau attended Terra Madre.
Here is their report.
The 16th edition of Terra Madre Salone del Gusto transformed the historic heart of Turin—sprawling across iconic squares like Piazza San Carlo and Piazza Castello into a vibrant, open-air festival of good, clean, and fair food. Walking through the town centre, you could feel the pulse of the Slow Food global movement which is dedicated to protecting what we eat.
A Historic Gathering with a Powerful Message
This year’s theme, “Biodiversity – Be Diversity,” couldn’t have been more alive, vibrant and convivial. Bringing together over 600 global producers and 1,500 delegates from roughly 120 countries, the festival was a true masterclass in cultural variety and agricultural preservation.
Adding immense gravitas to the opening events, Italian President Sergio Mattarella attended and delivered a stirring address to officially inaugurate the gathering, emphasizing the critical importance of protecting our earth, agricultural roots, and food systems.
Honoring the Vision of Carlo Petrini
There was also a profound sense of reflection this year. This was the first Terra Madre held since the passing of beloved Slow Food founder Carlo Petrini earlier in 2026.
Though “Carlin” was deeply missed, his spirit permeated every corner of the festival. Coinciding with Slow Food’s landmark 40th anniversary, the event served as a massive, collective tribute to his visionary legacy. It was a powerful reminder that the fight for sustainable, local food systems is stronger and more vital than ever, carried forward by a passionate new generation of activists, chefs, farmers and citizens.
Flavors, Debates, and Discoveries
Beyond the inspiring opening ceremonies, the sheer scale of the program was breathtaking. Visitors could choose from over 1,000 stalls, events and venues, including thought-provoking conferences and talks featuring food luminaries like Alice Waters and Raj Patel, immersive Taste Workshops, and the legendary Appuntamenti a Tavola—exclusive chef-and-producer table dinners celebrating regional heritage.
Bringing Terra Madre Home
Attending Terra Madre and participating in the events is a vivid reminder that food is never just fuel; it’s life, it’s culture, agriculture, politics, and community wrapped into one. Now local Slow Food communities all over the world, including here in Hong Kong, must look for ways to build more resilient food futures, taking on board the lessons coming out Terra Madre that offer a valuable blueprint for what is possible when we choose diversity over uniformity.
Please give us your thoughts about the food environment here in Hong Kong and join in the conversation.
