Paolo De Simone was born in Vallo della Lucania and grew up just a stone's throw from Pioppi, the Cilento village linked to Ancel Keys' studies on the Mediterranean Diet and known as the "land of centenarians". This is where the story begins, with several publications dedicating articles to him and his work between March and June 2026.
A cultural system born in specific places
In March, Zarabazà, Oltre le Colonne and Agenfood presented the Mediterranean Diet as "a complex cultural system, born in specific places", made up of relationships, biodiversity and everyday actions. Cilento, they write, is its living laboratory: a territory that values slowness, conviviality and respect for the rhythms of nature.
In the work of De Simone, Ambassador of the Mediterranean Diet, tradition is "used as an operating method". This can be seen in the two projects he is carrying out: Storie di Pane, the bread-making laboratory in his territory, and Modus in Milan, among pizzerias and gastronomies, which Agenfood described as "a contemporary Cilento oasis".
A supply chain based on direct relationships
The publications told the story of De Simone's supply chain through the people who make it up: the Cilento Guardian Farmers for the grains, small family producers for the vegetables, the coastal communities for the fish, artisanal workshops for dairy products and processed foods. Direct and continuous relationships, which follow seasonality and protect the biodiversity of the land and sea.
In an interview
On June 8, Carlo Ingegno interviewed De Simone for Agenda Viaggi. De Simone spoke about the flavors of Cilento that he rediscovered "thanks to the rediscovery of ancient grains and the work of the Guardian Farmers". And about the bond with his land, he said that "it is the very foundation of Modus".
What the press wrote
- Zarabazà, March 26: "Paolo De Simone: Mediterranean Diet, Cilento as a cultural model and gastronomic entrepreneurship".
- Oltre le Colonne, March 26, by Giulia Marchi: same title.
- Agenfood, March 27: "Paolo De Simone: Cilento, cultural model and gastronomic entrepreneurship of the Mediterranean Diet".
- Agenda Viaggi, June 8: "Paolo De Simone: tradition that looks to the future", by Carlo Ingegno.
From Pioppi to Milan, the Mediterranean Diet that De Simone brings to the city starts in Cilento, where he grew up.
Sources: Zarabazà · Oltre le Colonne · Agenfood · Agenda Viaggi
