Rome, 22 May (LaPresse) – ‘The passing of Carlo Petrini leaves a huge void not only in the world of food and wine, but also in society as a whole, and not just in Italy.’ So said the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella. ‘His insights and his constant advocacy for sustainability, the need to preserve traditions, the promotion of local cultures and respect for the environment have fostered a new awareness of food culture and its production, inspired by criteria of quality, authenticity and ethics. I extend my deepest condolences to his family and to all those who worked with him,’ added the Head of State.