Food for thought: FERRANDI Alumni showcasing Franco-British excellence in gastronomy and hospitality

Renowned for its culinary heritage, France has long set the standard in baking, gastronomy, and hospitality. On the 29th of May 2025, Campus France UK, in collaboration with FERRANDI Alumni, hosted an evening at the Institut Français in London to spotlight the impact of French higher education in these fields. The event was part of the #AlumniDay25 initiative and celebrated the diverse and international career paths of graduates from FERRANDI Paris, one of France’s leading schools in culinary arts and hospitality management. 

Opening the evening, Her Excellency Hélène Duchêne, French Ambassador to the United Kingdom, offered welcoming remarks underlining the role of alumni in promoting French excellence abroad. This was followed by a dynamic panel discussion featuring FERRANDI graduates now working in prestigious British institutions including the Four Seasons, The Shard, Tao Group, the Royal Academy of Arts, The Ivy, and Le Cordon Bleu. The panelists spoke about how their French training helped shape their creative approach, their adaptability, and their readiness for international careers. 

The event concluded with a convivial cocktail reception catered by 9Kitchens, a London-based company founded by FERRANDI alumna Kieu-My Pham. Committed to social and environmental responsibility, 9Kitchens not only promotes seasonal and sustainable sourcing but also empowers migrant women through training and employment. 

More than a showcase of culinary talent, the evening was a celebration of Franco-British collaboration, inclusive entrepreneurship, and the enduring value of a French education. It reaffirmed the role of alumni as cultural and professional bridges—bringing together excellence, sustainability, and innovation across borders.