Sharena Fabrika and FERRANDI Paris - a culinary partnership putting Bulgaria on the world gastronomic map

A special gala dinner at the French Embassy in Bulgaria, organized with the support of the French-Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, marked the official presentation of the partnership between the International School for Gastronomy & Heritage Crafts “Sharena Fabrika” and the world-renowned French culinary and hospitality school FERRANDI Paris, a school of CCI Paris Ile de France. The event was attended by representatives of diplomatic missions, international organizations, cultural institutions, and the business community, highlighting the importance of this initiative for the regional and global development of culinary education.

Guests were welcomed by Rositsa Mutafchieva – founder and CEO of Sharena Fabrika. Speeches were given by the Ambassador of France to Bulgaria - S. Exc. Mrs Marie DUMOULIN, by Mr Stefan Delaye - President of FBCCI of the French-Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and by Sophie Avril – Head of the International Department at FERRANDI Paris. In their addresses, they emphasized the importance of cultural exchange and modern professional education for building sustainable careers in gastronomy and creative crafts. A key focus was the ambition for Bulgaria to strengthen its presence on the international culinary scene.

The dinner featured a conceptual menu specially developed by the chefs of Sharena Fabrika jointly with FERRANDI Paris instructors, with whom they followed a training of trainers during one month in the Paris Campus. They skillfully blended the traditions of French gastronomy with the richness and distinctive flavors of Balkan cuisine. The programs in French & Balkan cuisine, Bread & Bakery, and French Pastry became the highlight of the evening, offering an elegant interpretation of fusion cuisine. Crafts – a core pillar of the school’s mission, came to life through handmade plates and decorative elements created by leading Bulgarian artisans specifically for the event.

Sharena Fabrika and FERRANDI Paris have been working for the past three years to concretise this partnership and unique project and this milestone marks an important step toward expanding opportunities to place Bulgaria on the gastronomic map. Future international collaborations will open doors to educational exchanges, student programs, internship initiatives, and faculty exchanges. This cooperation will allow the creation of long-term international ties that help nurture the potential of young culinary professionals while promoting Bulgarian culture, crafts, and gastronomy beyond the country’s borders.

As part of the partnership, FERRANDI Paris, giving trainees the opportunity to study in three core programs: Professional Certificates in French and Balkan Cuisine, French Pastry and Bread and Bakery. These will be the programs developed and certified in partnership with FERRANDI Paris, with the Balkan Cuisine module in the flagship program created in collaboration with chefs from Bulgaria, Greece, Serbia, and Türkiye. In addition to the programs developed jointly with FERRANDI Paris, Sharena Fabrika will offer a wide range of short courses and masterclasses led by prominent Bulgarian and international chefs. The educational program will expand access to modern culinary training not only for Bulgarian students but also for aspiring professionals from neighboring countries, combining the highest standards of the French culinary school with the richness and distinctive character of Balkan culinary tradition.

The evening at the French Embassy highlighted the power of culture, cuisine, and education to bring people together, shape the future, and open new horizons for growth. The partnership between Sharena Fabrika and FERRANDI Paris lays the foundations of an ambitious project aimed at positioning Bulgaria as an active participant on the global culinary scene and supporting a new generation of professionals in creating innovative, sustainable, and inspiring gastronomy.

About FERRANDI Paris:

FERRANDI Paris is a Culinary and Hospitality school, member of the Conférence des Grandes Ecoles (CGE), that trains the elite in gastronomy and hospitality to be actors of renewal in France and abroad on 7 campuses: Paris, Saint-Gratien, Bordeaux, Rennes, Dijon, Strasbourg and AlUla in Saudi Arabia.

FERRANDI Paris was created more than 100 years ago, as a higher education establishment (EESC) belonging to CCI Paris Ile-de-France Education.The school has several generations of distinguished chefs and culinary and hospitality managers to its name, known for their signature culinary works and talent for innovation.

Recognised for its level of excellence in all places and at all times, the school offers training courses  focused on: mastering the fundamentals,  the ability to innovate, acquiring managerial and entrepreneurial skills and Practice in real life situations.

 More than a school, FERRANDI Paris is a space of discovery, inspiration and exchange that blends cuisine, management, art, science, technology and innovation. It unites the greatest names in the sector around the challenges of renewal in the hospitality industry and culinary creativity.