25 Years of Slowfood Monaco: Mediterranean Excellence, Conviviality, and Solidarity

On Friday, September 5, the terraces of the Meridien Beach Plaza welcomed over 250 guests to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Slowfood Monaco, Riviera and Côte d’Azur Convivium. This milestone reaffirms the movement’s commitment to promoting a healthy, sustainable, and fair food culture in the Principality.

The evening, curated by vice-president Antonio Fochi, was filled with aromas, smiles, and conviviality. Among the attendees were HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco and H.E. Manuela Ruosi, Italian Ambassador to Monaco, who joined guests on a gastronomic journey inspired by the theme “Mare Nostrum”: Lebanese, Corsican, Italian, Monegasque, and Spanish specialties paired with Georgian wines celebrated the richness of the Mediterranean.

The celebration was further highlighted by messages from two symbolic figures of Slowfood: Alain Ducasse, honorary president of the convivium, emphasized the importance of local and seasonal cuisine; while Carlo Petrini, founder of the movement, reminded everyone of the central role of local products in fostering conscious eating.

With emotion, president Jean-Pierre Rouss announced his intention to hand over to the next generation after years of tireless dedication. The evening, enhanced by live violin and guitar music and dishes prepared with local ingredients, also honored Dr. Guy Nervo, CEO of the Centre Cardio-Thoracique de Monaco, for his commitment to providing high-quality meals for patients.

Solidarity was at the heart of the celebration as well: thanks to a charity raffle and a private donation, the Monegasque association Soupe de nuit received a check for €4,500, earmarked for essential goods to support the needy in Nice.

The 25th anniversary of the Convivium was not only a celebration but also a new beginning. True to the vision of Slowfood, active worldwide since 1986, Monaco and the Côte d’Azur will continue to promote food that is good, clean, and fair for all, inspiring communities and future generations.