Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners

What Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners does

ICIF (Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners) is a private Italian culinary education institution founded in 1991 with Italian Ministry of Agriculture funding, originally based in Turin and now headquartered at the historic Castello di Costigliole d'Asti in Piedmont's UNESCO-listed Langhe-Monferrato wine region. The institute delivers professional Italian culinary and oenological training to international students through a tiered curriculum: Master programs in Italian Cuisine and Oenology (Levels I and II), themed professional courses (bakery, pizza, traditional and contemporary pastry, chocolate, gelato, coffee, gluten-free cooking, dining room service, Italian wines and food pairing, international bartending), and amateur/team-building programs. Training combines classroom instruction with hands-on practice in professional kitchen laboratories — including the modern Orangerie facility inaugurated in 2014 for Food&Beverage Management, chocolate, and gelato — and concludes with internships at selected Michelin-starred Piedmont restaurants.

The business operates as ICIF SERVICE SRL A SOCIO UNICO, an Italian single-member limited liability company with wholly-owned foreign campus locations in Shanghai (China), Flores da Cunha and São Paulo (Brazil), and a representative network spanning 32 countries. Revenue is generated primarily through tuition-based professional and amateur courses, supplemented by on-site accommodation in mini-apartments, meals, and uniforms bundled into the full-course package; pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed. Distribution combines international educational-institution partnerships (De La Salle Manila since 2010, Lincoln Culinary Institute since 2006, Taipei City University of Science and Technology since 2018), recruitment delegations, alumni ambassador networks (5,000+ graduates from 5 continents), and event-driven marketing (Expo 2015, Cheese di Bra). Enterprise customers include Carluccio's Restaurant Group (annual chef training for 85 restaurants in UK/Dubai/Turkey/Kuwait since 2004) and Valamar (Croatia). No external funding has been disclosed and there is no parent company.

Name

Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners

Legal name

ICIF SERVICE SRL A SOCIO UNICO

Website

https://icif.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1991

Operating status

Operating

Short description

ICIF (Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners) is a private Italian culinary school founded in 1991 in Piedmont, delivering tuition-based professional and amateur Italian cuisine, pastry, and oenology training to international students across campuses in Italy, China, and Brazil.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Culinary Education

NAICS

Technical and Trade Schools (61151), Restaurants and Other Eating Places (72251), Full-Service Restaurants (722511)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Retail-Eating & Drinking Places (5810)

akta.pro primary industry

Professional Culinary Arts (Chef Training) (EDAOAKAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Culinary Arts & Cooking (Baking, Pastry, Global Cuisines) (EDAAAGAG), Culinary Skills Workshops (Baking, Regional Cooking, Food Prep Skills) (THAJAKAE), Nutrition, Special Diets & Wellness Cooking (EDAOAKAJ)

Keywords

• Culinary education
• Professional cooking school
• Italian cuisine training
• Pastry and bakery programs
• Wine and oenology courses

Headquarters

HQ city

Asti

HQ country

Italy

HQ region

Europe

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Professional Culinary Courses: Tuition-based professional cooking courses including Master programs in Italian Cuisine and Oenology (Level I and II), themed professional courses in Italian bakery, pizza, pastry, chocolate, gelato, coffee, gluten-free cooking, dining room service, Italian wines and food pairing, and International Bartender courses. Programs range from 1-week intensive to 6-month master courses with theoretical-practical lessons followed by internships.
2. Amateur Courses: Recreational cooking courses for amateurs and hobbyists, including team building programs.
3. Accommodation and Boarding Services: On-site housing in mini-apartments with single, double, or triple rooms; meals during weekdays; uniform provision as part of the full-course package.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

ICIF provides tuition-based professional culinary training in authentic Italian regional cuisine, oenology, and gastronomy to international students, professionals, and corporate groups through Master programs (Levels I and II), themed cuisine courses, and monotematic specialized programs in bakery, pizza, pastry, chocolate, gelato, coffee, gluten-free cooking, dining room service, wine pairing, and bartending. Course packages bundle instruction by Michelin-starred chef-trainers with on-site accommodation, meals, uniforms, materials, and internships at Michelin-starred restaurants, delivered from the historic Castello di Costigliole d'Asti and foreign campuses in China and Brazil.

Product overview

Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners (ICIF) offers a comprehensive portfolio of professional culinary education programs. The core offerings include Master courses in Italian Cuisine and Oenology (Levels I and II), basic and themed Italian cuisine courses, and specialized high-level courses on modern culinary techniques. The professional monotematic courses cover bakery, pizza, Italian pastry, contemporary pastry, chocolate making, gelato, coffee skills, gluten-free cooking, dining room service, wine studies, and international bartending. The institute also provides amateur team building experiences. Programs combine theoretical lessons with practical hands-on training in fully equipped laboratories, followed by internships at selected restaurants including Michelin-starred establishments. The institution operates from its historic headquarters in Costigliole d'Asti, Italy, with foreign campuses in Shanghai (China), Flores da Cunha and São Paulo (Brazil), and representative offices worldwide.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Master in Cucina ed Enologia Italiana - Livello I Comprehensive master course in Italian cuisine and oenology covering all Italian regions, combining theoretical lessons with practical training and internships at Michelin-starred restaurants. Targeted at aspiring international chefs and culinary professionals.
• Master in Cucina ed Enologia Italiana - Livello I e II Advanced two-level master program providing comprehensive training in Italian regional cuisine and wine pairing, the most complete course offered by ICIF. Targeted at culinary professionals seeking in-depth immersion across all Italian regions.
• Corso base di cucina italiana Entry-level course introducing fundamental Italian cooking techniques and regional cuisine basics. Targeted at beginners and culinary enthusiasts.
• Corso di Cucina Italiana B (Themed Course) Themed Italian cuisine course focusing on specific aspects of Italian regional cooking. Targeted at culinary professionals and serious enthusiasts.
• Corso sulle tecniche culinarie moderne e tecnologia innovativa High-level specialized course on modern culinary techniques and innovative technology in cooking. Targeted at experienced chefs seeking advanced methods.
• Corso sui grandi lievitati, pane e pizza gourmet Specialized course covering leavened products, artisanal bread making, and gourmet pizza preparation. Targeted at professional bakers and pizzaioli.
• Corso di Panetteria Italiana Professional Italian bakery course teaching traditional bread-making techniques and Italian bakery specialties. Targeted at professional bakers.
• Corso sulla Pizza Professional pizza-making course covering authentic Italian pizza techniques and gourmet variations. Targeted at pizzaioli and culinary professionals.
• Corso di Pasticceria Italiana Comprehensive Italian pastry course covering traditional desserts and classical techniques. Targeted at professional pastry chefs.
• Corso di Pasticceria Contemporanea Modern creative pastry course focusing on contemporary Italian pastry innovations. Targeted at experienced pastry chefs seeking contemporary techniques.
• Corso di Cioccolateria Professional chocolate making course covering artisan chocolate techniques and creations. Targeted at professional chocolatiers and pastry chefs.
• Corso di Gelateria Italiana Professional Italian gelato course teaching artisanal ice cream making techniques, balance calculations, and seasonal flavor development. Targeted at gelato makers and ice cream professionals.
• Corso Caffetteria Skills Coffee skills course covering espresso preparation, cappuccino, latte art, and Italian coffee culture. Targeted at baristas and café professionals.
• Corso di Cucina Senza Glutine Gluten-free Italian cuisine course for professionals and enthusiasts addressing food intolerances. Targeted at culinary professionals serving customers with celiac conditions.
• Corso per servizio di sala, enologia e caffetteria skills Comprehensive dining room service course covering Italian oenology, wine pairing, and coffee service. Targeted at dining room professionals and sommeliers.
• Corso sui vini italiani e sull'abbinamento cibo-vino Italian wine course focusing on regional wines, DOP/IGP/PAT designations, and food-wine pairing techniques. Targeted at sommeliers, wine professionals, and culinary professionals.
• International Bartender Course International bartender course combining flair bartending techniques with Italian coffee culture. Targeted at professional bartenders and hospitality staff.
• Team Building Corporate team building culinary experiences for groups seeking interactive Italian cooking activities. Targeted at corporate groups and organizations.

Named customers8 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Guizhou Economic and Trade Vocational and Technical College, ChinaminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 May 2025Three-year collaborative project for Chinese vocational college students from Duyun to study at ICIF Italy, coordinated by Claudio Medugno and CAO SHIPING of the Global Association of Italy Promotion in London.
• Federazione Gastronomica dello Yucatán, MexicominorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 May 2025Culinary exchange partnership hosting Yucatán gastronomic federation delegations at ICIF for cultural and culinary exchange, with potential for future student exchanges.
• Taipei City University of Science and Technology, TaiwancoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 March 2018Partnership formalized by President Piero Sassone for Master programs in Italian Cuisine, Culture and Oenology. Students receive training at ICIF Italy with internships at Michelin-starred Piedmont restaurants.
• De La Salle College of Saint Benilde, ManilacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2010Long-standing educational partnership since 2010 with the Philippines' leading hospitality school. Students complete culinary and hospitality programs in Manila before attending ICIF in Italy for specialization. The partnership has sent over 24 students per cohort for Master and dining room service programs.
• Lincoln Culinary Institute, USAcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2006Dual-attestation program with campuses in Hartford, Connecticut and West Palm Beach, Florida. American students receive educational credits recognized by the US Government. Students complete initial training in the US before specializing at ICIF Italy.
• Carluccio's Restaurant Group, UKcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2004Annual Italian culinary training program for chefs since 2004. The 10-year partnership trains chefs for Carluccio's 85 restaurants across UK, Dubai, Turkey, and Kuwait, featuring instruction from Michelin-starred Piedmont chefs.
• Consorzio Barbera d'Asti e Vini del MonferratocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOngoing collaboration for Italian wine education and tasting sessions. The consortium provides wines from member companies for ICIF courses and educational tours of Piedmont vineyards.
• Riso GallocoreTechnology or IntegrationPartnership with the historic Italian rice company. Riso Gallo sponsors the 'Best Risotto' culinary contest and offers scholarships for ICIF courses. The company provides risotto rice for ICIF courses internationally and distributes in Central and South America.
• ValamarminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLeading Croatian hospitality company partnered with ICIF for Italian culinary training programs for their hospitality staff.
• Eastern Mediterranean University, Northern CyprusminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational university partnership sending 21 students for basic Italian regional cuisine training at ICIF.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Institute of Culinary Education (ICE): New York-based professional culinary school offering career training in culinary arts, pastry & baking arts, and hospitality management. Comparable in targeting international culinary professionals seeking structured vocational credentials.
• Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts: US-based culinary and pastry school with online and on-campus programs focused on professional credentials. Comparable in offering professional culinary credentials but operates a more digital-friendly delivery model.
• Culinary Institute of America (CIA): Premier US culinary college offering professional culinary degrees, continuing education, and industry certifications. Comparable in being a globally recognized culinary education brand, but operates at much larger scale and broader scope.
• Le Cordon Bleu: Global culinary arts and hospitality education network founded in Paris with campuses worldwide. Serves the same international culinary professional market but at significantly broader scale and with a French (rather than Italian) cuisine focus.

Direct peers

• Gambero Rosso Academy: Rome-based Italian food and wine training academy offering professional courses in cuisine, pastry, and wine. Directly comparable Italian culinary education offering with a wine-pairing focus similar to ICIF's oenology program.
• ALMA - La Scuola Internazionale di Cucina Italiana: Italian culinary school based in Parma (Colorno) offering professional training in Italian cuisine, pastry, and bakery to international students. Directly comparable as a competing Italian institution with a similar premium in-residence model and international student focus.
• Cast Alimenti!: Italian culinary and pastry arts training school based in Brescia, with intensive professional courses for Italian and international students. Closely comparable product portfolio (pastry, bakery, cuisine) and similar vocational culinary education model.
• Carpigiani Gelato University: Anzola dell'Emilia-based specialized gelato training school offering professional courses on artisanal Italian gelato production. Directly overlaps with ICIF's Corso di Gelateria Italiana and targets similar international gelato entrepreneurs.
• Apicius (Florence) / Syracuse University in Italy: Italy-based culinary and food studies program affiliated with Syracuse University, offering professional culinary and food culture courses in Florence. Directly comparable as a Florence-based Italian culinary education provider serving international students.

Emerging players

• Associazione Italiana Sommelier (AIS): Italy's main professional sommelier association offering wine education courses and certifications. Overlaps with ICIF's oenology and wine-pairing courses in serving the same target market of beverage professionals.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/ICIFitalia
• Facebookfacebook.com/ICIFItaly

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners