Taitung to the World: Press Conference for the Establishment of Slow Food Taitung Convivium & Announcement of Taitung Delegation

After more than a decade of dedicated effort, the Slow Food movement in Taitung has officially launched its International Slow Food Taitung Convivium and announced the delegates who will represent Taitung at the Terra Madre Slow Food International Congress in Italy. Let’s take a look at what lies ahead—where will the Slow Food snail journey next?

Taiwan's First Slow Food Convivium Established

In February, after years of dedicated work, Slow Food Taitung Taiwan became the first officially recognized convivium (local chapter) of Slow Food International in Taiwan. This milestone marks a significant moment for the movement in Taitung, reflecting both international recognition of its achievements and high hopes for the future. Key convivium members were present at the press conference, including Taitung County Magistrate April Yao, food culture expert XU Zhong, LIEN Kuo-Hui (Wonderful Design Studio founder), HSU Kung-Lien (Taiwan’s Slow Food Youth Network representative), TU Tu-Dou (Slow Food Taitung Association chair), and Li-Chin KUO (Slow Food Taitung Taiwan representative). In addition, Carlo Petrini, founder of the Slow Food Movement, and Megumi Watanabe, representative of the Japanese convivium, sent in congratulatory messages from abroad, expressing their excitement for what the next decade holds for Slow Food Taitung.

Bringing Taitung’s Flavors to Italy

Becoming a convivium marks the start of a new journey—Taitung's Slow Food movement is going global. The Terra Madre Salone del Gusto this September presents a golden opportunity to showcase Taitung’s culinary heritage to the world. After a rigorous selection process, seven teams were chosen to form the Taitung Delegation: - Truly Wine - Kaiana Workshop - Meet Marlin - Hezuo Friendly Crops - Gong Nong Gong Shi (Natural Life & Food) - Chubby Rabbit - Alanger Coffee Shop Led by Magistrate April Yao, these teams will head to Italy this September to present glutinous rice wine, specialty coffee, unique millet varieties, and a wide array of fermented and pickled foods that embody Taitung’s terroir and food culture. Stay connected through the Slow Food Taitung community for updates and behind-the-scenes stories as Taitung steps onto the global stage.