In the case of Hong Kong, compared to Italian context, 'slow food' “does not necessarily refer to the speed of food production or consumption”2, but rather stands for the use of high quality ingredients and attention to natural resources. Hong Kong Slow Food states: “Slow” food is a cuisine, an ingredient, or a product that reflects a respect for its growers, for the quality of its source, for its nutritional value and its taste, for its journey to our plates, and for its consumers.”3 This demonstrates how in the contemporary context it is not necessarily opposed to fast food in terms of consumption; what's more to it, slow food now aims to reach the level of fast food industry by introducing the same modes of consumption (e.g. take-away or ready-made dishes) and maintaining the difference by focusing on the alternative methods of food preparation. Mana! Fast Slow Food presented in Hong Kong Slow Food project embodies all of these these ideas. Mana! co-founder Bobsy Gaia explains the oxymoron in the title: “Why does fast food has to be highly processed, sugary, unhealthy food? […] Why can't fast food be the opposite?”4 Therefore, this shows how the slow food has recently transformed from being strictly local to being 'glocal', as well as started to make way to become somewhat hybrid of fast and slow, while remaining …show more content…
The contemporary case study of the opposite outcome can be found in recent Russian politics, particularly, the introduction of trade embargo in 2014. This was the reaction against the introduction of sanctions that targeted energy, finance and military section of Russian economy by the US and EU.11 The embargo affected the exporters of fruit, vegetables, meat, dairy and other products in the West, hugely affecting businesses around the world.12 Nevertheless, the law also largely impacted Russian local food productions, significantly decreasing the quality of food. As a result, the demand increased due to the lack of availability of imported products, which also affected prices on various products. This case demonstrates how abrupt turning to local foods and traditional mode of food consumption can negatively affect the quality of the product. Furthermore, the health aspect of the food industry in Russia changed significantly. Decreased quality of the product led to increased priced on higher-quality food, which instantly became a privilege for those that can afford it, drawing a line between the class who can