Slow Food pioneer chooses Borough Market for book launch

Petrini, the charismatic driving force behind the global Slow Food movement, is no stranger to Roast; six months ago he was joined by Conservative leader David Cameron for the launch of Slow Food UK.

Food served at the book launch was supplied by traders from the market including Farmer Sharp, Sillfield Farm and Turnips.

"It's a great pleasure for me to come back to this restaurant which I already know and really enjoy," Carlo Petrini told guests at the launch event.

"Not just because you eat so well here but because it has brought Slow Food good luck.

"Half a year ago when I came to launch the UK Slow Food movement we had five or six convivia [chapters] in England. Now we have 50.

"And I think individual places bring you good luck. When they said 'Where would you like to launch the book?' I said 'Only here, please'.

"It's an important book because it summarises our ideas and philosophies."

The Slow Food movement says that food must taste good; it must be sustainably produced in ways that are sensitive and respectful to the environment; and those who produce the food must be fairly treated.

Petrini inisists that Slow Food isn't just a luxury for the rich but a necessity for all – rich and poor – to achieve a more sustainable relationship with nature.