Head of Slow Food International to visit ScotlandWednesday 22 to Sunday 26 February 2012

Various figures from food and drink in Scotland will have the opportunity to meet the head of Slow Food International, Paolo di Croce, when he visits next week.
In a series of meetings, Mr di Croce will communicate Slow Food International’s strategic plans and events for the coming year.  Slow Food has an active grassroots support in Scotland that exists across the country including Edinburgh, Fife, Perth, Glasgow and Orkney.  Slow Food International recognises the importance of food and drink in both Scotland’s culture and its economy and it is hoped that the meetings will find new ways to include Scottish food and drink in international activity as well as strengthening links with local Slow Food groups.
Mr di Croce, commented:
“With our visit we want encourage more people in Scotland to get involved with Slow Food and to help spread the ‘good, clean and fair’ philosophy of our movement.  We also would like to encourage the presence of a Scottish delegation at this year’s edition of Salone del Gusto and Terra Madre, which will take place in Turin in October.  Salone and Terra Madre will come together into one event to recount the extraordinary diversity of food from all continents and our hope is that the immense richness of the Scottish cultural heritage will be represented and will contribute to the success of an event that focuses on the exchange of knowledge between farmers, producers, chefs and consumers from all around the world.”
Neil Forbes, chef director at Edinburgh’s Cafe St Honoré and current Scottish Chef of the Year, is a keen supporter of Slow Food and has visited Terre Madre.  He commented: “I’m delighted to have this opportunity to meet with Slow Food International.  For me it’s important that we consider the impact the food we eat in Scotland has on a global scale.  Knowing that we’re part of a global group, yet working at a local level, I feel it encourages us to continue valuing the food we grow and eat in Scotland.  The Slow Food philosophy works everywhere in the world”
During the visit, Mr di Croce will meet with, amongst others, Mr Rob Gibson MSP, Pam Rodway of Crofting Connections (Soil Association Scotland), Carina Contini of Centotre and The Scottish Cafe, Patrick Krause of the Scottish Crofting Federation as well as producer visits with Wendy Barrie of Scottish Food Guide.

The tour is being co-ordinated by Slow Food Edinburgh.
Media enquiries
Lee MacGregor, Mitchell MacGregor Public Relations: [email protected] or 0131 2261442 / 07801 286005