Terra Madre Americas showcased California’s culinary leadership

California’s leadership in culinary innovation and sustainable food systems took center stage in September 2025 when Terra Madre Americas, a globally significant event hosted by Slow Food International, came to Sacramento. The festival marked the beginning of a new era, with Sacramento serving as the North American home of Terra Madre through 2030. The event will alternate years with its sister gathering in Italy, further cementing California’s role as a global hub for food source, sustainability and culture.

Why California?

With unparalleled access to fresh ingredients and deep agricultural roots, California provided the perfect stage to celebrate the people and practices that help feed the world.

Terra Madre Americas selected California for its unmatched culinary contributions, sustainability ethos and cultural food heritage, which align with Slow Food’s mission of “Good, Clean and Fair Food for All.”

Sacramento’s status as America’s Farm-to-Fork Capital, combined with the leadership of local stakeholders, played a key role in securing the event. The location reinforced California’s reputation as both a food source and a center for shaping the future of food.

Event Highlights

The inaugural Sacramento edition of Terra Madre Americas drew an estimated 165,000 attendees representing at least 22 countries and regions. The event featured:

• 800+ producers, chefs, and speakers
• Programming across Slow Food, Sow Coffee, and Slow Wine
• A sold-out rotating celebrity bistro, featuring culinary icons like Alice Waters, Jeremiah Tower, and others
• Spotlight sessions on California’s indigenous tribes and food heritage

The event brought together chefs, sustainability experts, agritourism leaders and food advocates from across the Americas, giving California destinations a powerful international platform that aligned with the Ultimate Playground brand, where food, innovation, culture and adventure intersect.

California’s Role in a Global Movement

Terra Madre was more than a celebration of food. It generated global momentum and celebrated California’s diverse food systems, from native tribal roots and coastal fisheries to inland farms. The event inspired travelers to explore the state’s full culinary landscape and positioned food as a gateway to its regions, communities and cultures.

Terra Madre Americas 2027

The next Terra Madre Americas is scheduled for September 2027 and will offer another milestone moment for California’s culinary and sustainability leadership on the world stage.