Beyond Food Waste: from Pellegrino Artusi to Italian Cooking as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage
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On the occasion of the Week of Italian Cuisine in the World, the Embassy of Italy and the Italian Cultural Institute present
"Beyond Food Waste: from Pellegrino Artusi to Italian Cooking as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage"
An evening with Professor Andrea Segrè, President of the Artusi Foundation
Wednesday, 25 November 2026, at 6:30 p.m.
Keizersgracht 564 – Amsterdam
Drawing on Contro lo spreco (Against Waste), Andrea Segrè’s most recent work, this presentation offers an opportunity to reflect on the cultural, civic and ecological value of Italian food, from Pellegrino Artusi’s contribution to Italian gastronomic tradition to the recognition of Italian cuisine by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Food is more than what we put on our tables: it embodies the value of land, water, energy, labour, memory and human relationships. Wasting food means squandering these resources; preserving it means recognising its value and accepting our responsibility towards the environment and future generations.
Starting with Pellegrino Artusi’s La scienza in cucina e l’arte di mangiar bene (Science in the Kitchen and the Art of Eating Well, 1891), a seminal work by the father of modern Italian cuisine, the event will explore Italian cuisine as a living heritage rooted in seasonality, the creative reuse of ingredients and respect for food.
The fight against food waste thus becomes an opportunity to rethink our relationship with food and turn sustainability into everyday practices in households, schools, markets and cities.
Andrea Segrè is Full Professor of Circular Economy and Sustainable Development Policies at the University of Bologna. He founded Last Minute Market and the Spreco Zero (Zero Waste) campaign, and directs the international Waste Watcher Observatory, which focuses on food waste and sustainability. He is also President of the Casa Artusi Foundation, dedicated to promoting Italian gastronomic culture. In 2012, he received the international Pellegrino Artusi Award in recognition of his commitment to preventing food waste. He is the author of numerous essays and books, including Contro lo spreco. Cibo, valore, futuro (Against Waste: Food, Value, Future, 2026).
The event will be held in English.
"Beyond Food Waste: from Pellegrino Artusi to Italian Cooking as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage"
An evening with Professor Andrea Segrè, President of the Artusi Foundation
Wednesday, 25 November 2026, at 6:30 p.m.
Keizersgracht 564 – Amsterdam
Drawing on Contro lo spreco (Against Waste), Andrea Segrè’s most recent work, this presentation offers an opportunity to reflect on the cultural, civic and ecological value of Italian food, from Pellegrino Artusi’s contribution to Italian gastronomic tradition to the recognition of Italian cuisine by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Food is more than what we put on our tables: it embodies the value of land, water, energy, labour, memory and human relationships. Wasting food means squandering these resources; preserving it means recognising its value and accepting our responsibility towards the environment and future generations.
Starting with Pellegrino Artusi’s La scienza in cucina e l’arte di mangiar bene (Science in the Kitchen and the Art of Eating Well, 1891), a seminal work by the father of modern Italian cuisine, the event will explore Italian cuisine as a living heritage rooted in seasonality, the creative reuse of ingredients and respect for food.
The fight against food waste thus becomes an opportunity to rethink our relationship with food and turn sustainability into everyday practices in households, schools, markets and cities.
Andrea Segrè is Full Professor of Circular Economy and Sustainable Development Policies at the University of Bologna. He founded Last Minute Market and the Spreco Zero (Zero Waste) campaign, and directs the international Waste Watcher Observatory, which focuses on food waste and sustainability. He is also President of the Casa Artusi Foundation, dedicated to promoting Italian gastronomic culture. In 2012, he received the international Pellegrino Artusi Award in recognition of his commitment to preventing food waste. He is the author of numerous essays and books, including Contro lo spreco. Cibo, valore, futuro (Against Waste: Food, Value, Future, 2026).
The event will be held in English.
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Where is it happening?
Keizersgracht 564, 1017 EM Amsterdam, Netherlands, Keizersgracht 564, 1017 EM Amsterdam, Nederland, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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Host or PublisherIstituto Italiano di Cultura Amsterdam
