ALMA - The International School of Italian Cuisine

What ALMA - The International School of Italian Cuisine does

ALMA - The International School of Italian Cuisine (legal entity ALMA S.r.l. La Scuola Internazionale di Cucina Italiana) is a private Italian limited liability company founded in 2004 and headquartered in Colorno (Parma), within Emilia-Romagna's Food Valley. The company delivers advanced culinary and hospitality education across multiple disciplines — cooking techniques and Italian cuisine, pastry and gelato, breadmaking, restaurant service and sommellerie, and food & beverage management — at four curriculum tiers (basic, professionalizing, specialization, master's), taught by an in-house faculty supplemented by guest teachers and governed by a Steering Committee (reconstituted in January 2026). Course catalog also includes international and joint programs (ICP, ALMA & École Ducasse French-Italian Pastry Art Diploma, tailor-made programs, courses abroad), and supporting services such as ALMA Link career services, ALMA Plan editorial collection, Coaching 2.0, and the institutional library.

The business operates through a hybrid revenue model. Tuition and course fees are the primary stream, generated from a closed-enrollment (number-closed) intake of individual students across professional and aspirational segments. A growing B2B layer offers masterclasses, conventions, team building, and customized training for hotel chains, restaurants, and institutions, plus a newer Culinary Wellness Solutions (CWS) division launched in April 2025 that serves wellness hotels, longevity clinics, sports teams, and personal chef services. Distribution is direct-to-consumer via the website (multi-language: IT, EN, ZH, RU, KO, AR), in-person and virtual open days, and an international partner network spanning approximately 20 countries. A wholly-owned flagship branch — The Food School Bangkok — extends direct delivery into Southeast Asia.

Technology assets include the proprietary FoodPrint software (built with NUTRITICS, used by 1,300+ chefs for environmental menu impact analysis under the EU LIFE Climate Smart Chefs program), an e-learning platform developed with ENAIP, a CRM-integrated website under redesign, and an in-development immersive virtual tour of the Colorno campus. Operations are GDPR-compliant and maintain an Italian D. Lgs. 24/2023 whistleblowing channel. Headcount is reported at 51-100 employees, paid-in capital is €1.75M i.v., and the company is privately held with no disclosed parent, external investor, or acquisition activity.

Name

ALMA - The International School of Italian Cuisine

Legal name

ALMA S.r.l. La Scuola Internazionale di Cucina Italiana

Website

https://alma.scuolacucina.it

Company type

Private

Founded year

2004

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

ALMA is a private Italian culinary and hospitality education school founded in 2004 in Colorno (Food Valley), offering premium courses and master's programs to aspiring and working culinary professionals worldwide through a 20-country partner network and a Bangkok flagship branch.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Culinary and Hospitality Education

NAICS

Technical and Trade Schools (61151), Educational Services (611)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Institutional & Commercial Kitchen Training (Schools/Healthcare/Corporate) (EDAOAKAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Nutrition, Special Diets & Wellness Cooking (EDAOAKAJ), Culinary Arts & Cooking (Baking, Pastry, Global Cuisines) (EDAAAGAG), Food Service & Dining Operations Management (Managed Cafeterias) (EDAEALAG)

Keywords

• Culinary education
• Hospitality training
• Professional cooking courses
• Pastry and bakery programs
• Food and beverage management

Headquarters

HQ city

Garibaldi

HQ country

Italy

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Tuition and Course Fees: ALMA generates revenue primarily through tuition fees for its various culinary and hospitality courses, including cooking techniques, advanced cuisine, pastry arts, breadmaking, sommelier training, and food & beverage management programs. Courses are offered at different levels (basic techniques, professionalizing, specialization, and master's level).
2. B2B Corporate Training Services: ALMA offers masterclasses, conventions, updating courses, team building, and customized training programs for hotel chains, restaurant companies, and institutions under the Culinary Wellness Solutions division.
3. Culinary Wellness Solutions: A new B2B division focused on the intersection of cuisine, wellness, sports, and longevity. Provides consulting and specialized training for wellness hotels, resorts, and health-focused establishments.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

ALMA delivers high-level professional education in Italian cuisine, pastry arts, breadmaking, gelato, sommelier/service, and food & beverage management through residential and international courses and master's programs. It also offers B2B corporate training (masterclasses, team building, customized programs) and Culinary Wellness Solutions consulting for wellness hotels, resorts, longevity clinics, and sports teams, anchored in its Colorno (Food Valley) campus and The Food School Bangkok branch.

Product overview

ALMA is a premier international culinary arts school based in Colorno, Italy (Food Valley), offering comprehensive high-level education in Italian cuisine and hospitality since 2004. The school's portfolio includes foundational and advanced courses in Cooking (Tecniche di Cucina, Superiore di Cucina Italiana, Pasta Italiana, Master Health & Performance Chef), Pastry (Tecniche di Pasticceria, Superiore di Pasticceria, Gelateria Contemporanea), Bread/Bakery (Tecniche di Panificazione, Panificazione Moderna), Restaurant Service & Sommelier (Sala Bar & Sommellerie, Master ALMA-AIS), and Food & Beverage Management. International programs include the ICP Italian Culinary Program, joint programs with École Ducasse and partner schools, and tailor-made courses. The institution also operates The Food School Bangkok as its first international branch. B2B services include Culinary Wellness Solutions (wellness-focused culinary training), masterclasses, team building, and corporate training. Sustainability initiatives include the LIFE Climate Smart Chefs European project. Supporting services include ALMA Link career service, Coaching 2.0, ALMA Plan editorial series, and an extensive library.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Culinary Wellness Solutions (CWS): A wellness culinary division addressing the intersection of cuisine, wellness, sport and longevity, offering consulting and specialized training for wellness hotels, resorts, clinics, and sports professionals.
• ALMA Plan
• ALMA CWS

Products and services

• Tecniche di Cucina Basic cooking techniques course for individuals with no prior experience who want to start a career in the restaurant industry.
• Superiore di Cucina Italiana Advanced Italian cuisine course for those aspiring to become hospitality professionals.
• Pasta Italiana Specialized course dedicated to Italian pasta making techniques and traditions.
• Tecniche di Pasticceria Pastry techniques course covering basics to modern applications.
• Superiore di Pasticceria Advanced pastry course for professionals seeking specialization.
• Gelateria Contemporanea Contemporary ice cream and gelato making course exploring modern techniques.
• Tecniche di Panificazione Breadmaking techniques course for aspiring bakery professionals.
• Panificazione Moderna Modern breadmaking course focusing on contemporary and creative bakery techniques.
• Superiore di Sala, Bar & Sommellerie Advanced restaurant service, bar and sommelier course for hospitality professionals.
• Master ALMA-AIS Advanced sommelier master program conducted in partnership with AIS (Italian Sommelier Association).
• Master Health & Performance Chef Specialized master program focused on health and performance cooking for culinary professionals.
• Master in Food and Beverage Management Master program in food and beverage management for hospitality professionals.
• Corso in Restaurant Revenue Management Restaurant revenue management course for industry professionals looking to expand skills.
• ICP - Italian Culinary Program International culinary program conducted in English for global students.
• ALMA & École Ducasse French-Italian Pastry Art Diploma Joint pastry arts diploma program with École Ducasse combining French and Italian traditions.
• Tailor Made Programs Customized educational programs designed for specific client needs.
• Courses Abroad International courses and programs delivered abroad in partner locations.
• Joint Programs with Partner Schools Joint educational programs with international partner culinary schools.
• Culinary Wellness Solutions (ALMA CWS) B2B wellness division at the intersection of cuisine, wellness, sport and longevity, serving wellness hotels, resorts, clinics, and sports professionals with consulting and specialized chef training.
• B2B Training Services Masterclasses, conventions, updating courses, team building and customized training programs for hotel chains, restaurants, and institutions.
• The Food School Bangkok First international branch of ALMA located in Bangkok, Thailand, offering Italian culinary programs locally.
• LIFE Climate Smart Chefs Three-year European project funded by EU LIFE Programme training chefs across Europe in sustainable food practices, including FoodPrint software for calculating menu environmental impact.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 160 chefs trained across Europe through Climate Smart Chefs program
• +2 more outcomes

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered minor, core and flagship.

• Love to Italy AcademyminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 October 2025Love to Italy Academy, a Miami-based culinary education institution, partners with ALMA and hosts Italian culinary events in the United States. The partnership focuses on promoting Italian culinary heritage in the U.S. through events like the Italian Wine Masterclass featuring ALMA-affiliated chefs.
• The Culinary Institute of America (CIA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 April 2024ALMA took the stage for the first time at the Culinary Institute of America, the temple of U.S. culinary education, with an in-depth session on Italian gastronomic culture. American hospitality students visited ALMA at the Reggia di Colorno.
• ITHQ (Institut de tourisme et d'hôtellerie du Québec)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2024Within the agrifood alliance between Emilia-Romagna and Québec, ALMA and ITHQ signed a collaboration protocol for culinary education exchange and joint initiatives. Present were ALMA President Alberto Figna and External Relations Manager Candida D'Elia.
• SDA Bocconi School of ManagementcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 February 2024Two of Italy's leading brands in higher education created an innovative collaboration combining ALMA's culinary expertise with SDA Bocconi's business and management education. The partnership delivers excellence in higher education with expertise from both institutions.
• George Brown College (Toronto)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 January 2024Celebrating 20 years of partnership between ALMA and Canada's George Brown College with special events titled 'Celebrating Italia!' ALMA has collaborated with George Brown since 2004 on culinary education programs.
• Woosong University (South Korea)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2023Woosong University, a prestigious university under the Woosong Education Foundation, joined ALMA's international network. An MOU was signed during the Week of Italian Cuisine in the World, with ALMA's General Manager Andrea Sinigaglia visiting to formalize the partnership.
• The Food School BangkokflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 May 2023The Food School Bangkok is ALMA's first foreign branch, officially opened with Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn presiding over the Grand Opening Ceremony. The school offers Italian culinary programs in Thailand under ALMA's brand.
• Tourism College of Zhejiang (China)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 October 2022ALMA renewed its MOU with the Tourism College of Zhejiang, training partners since 2016. The collaboration supports the Italian Culinary Program launched at Chinese culinary schools.
• Barilla FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 April 2022Partner in the European LIFE Climate Smart Chefs project, working with ALMA on training chefs across Europe on sustainable food practices. Contributed to the FoodPrint software development.
• Institut Paul Bocuse (France)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 February 2019ALMA met with Institut Paul Bocuse, the school dedicated to the great French chef, for collaborative sessions between the two leading culinary institutions representing Italian and French culinary traditions.
• ENAIP NETcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEuropean project partner in the LIFE Climate Smart Chefs initiative, providing e-learning platform development and training expertise for the program.
• JAMK University of Applied Sciences (Finland)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in the LIFE Climate Smart Chefs project, conducting surveys and quality assessments of the training program delivered by ALMA.
• NUTRITICS (Ireland)coreTechnology or IntegrationTechnology partner that created the FoodPrint software used by ALMA and 1,300+ chefs to calculate environmental impact of menus and make them more sustainable.
• École DucassecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNew partnership for a French-Italian Pastry Art Diploma combining ALMA's Italian pastry expertise with École Ducasse's French pastry traditions.
• Filippo Tawil (Wellness Chef Consultant)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWellness Chef Consultant leading ALMA's new Culinary Wellness Solutions division. Has over 10 years experience in healthy menus and F&B dynamics, with consulting experience at Clinique La Prairie, Layan Life by Anantara, and AMAN resorts.
• Victoria Sardain (Teiah Hospitality)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal wellness expert and Co-founder of ALMA CWS together with Chef Tawil. Graduate of EHL Switzerland and founder/CEO of Teiah Hospitality, bringing business and consulting expertise to the wellness culinary division.
• De Nigris (Acetum)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerItalian vinegar excellence partnered with ALMA for advanced gastronomy training, creating a unique combination for the enhancement of Italian cuisine through quality ingredients.
• Davines GroupminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerB Corporation company committed to corporate sustainability, hosting the closing event of the Climate Smart Chefs High Level Course at their Village facility. Committed to regenerative development with focus on agriculture.
• Italian Trade Agency (ITA)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerSupports the Italian Culinary Program delivered at partner schools in China and other countries, promoting Italian gastronomic culture internationally.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• École Ducasse: Paris-based culinary school focused on French cuisine and pastry. Direct peer with whom ALMA has a joint French-Italian Pastry Art Diploma, sharing similar high-end vocational positioning and target students.
• Basque Culinary Center: San Sebastián-based culinary school with strong innovation and research orientation. Direct peer positioned as a national flagship culinary school in its home region, analogous to ALMA in Italy.
• Culinary Institute of America: The leading US culinary school headquartered in Hyde Park, NY, with global campuses. Directly comparable as a top-tier, brand-anchored culinary higher-education institution with which ALMA has an active core partnership.
• ITHQ (Institut de tourisme et d'hôtellerie du Québec): Quebec's reference institution for hospitality and culinary education. Direct peer under an active agrifood alliance collaboration protocol with ALMA.
• Institut Paul Bocuse: Lyon-based French culinary and hospitality research school. Direct peer with comparable target audience of professional chefs and a partner-level relationship with ALMA.
• Apicius International School of Hospitality: Florence-based Italian culinary and hospitality school. Direct peer sharing the same Italian vocational culinary market and overlapping student demographics.
• George Brown College (Centre for Hospitality and Culinary Arts): Toronto-based culinary institution with a 20-year partnership with ALMA. Direct peer offering comparable diploma programs to a similar international student base.
• CAST Alimenti: Brescia-based Italian culinary training institution focused on professional pastry, cooking, and gelato. Direct peer competing in the Italian culinary vocational segment.

Broad incumbents

• Le Cordon Bleu: Global culinary education brand with historic international presence and multiple campuses. A broad incumbent offering comparable programs across cuisines and serving similar aspiring and professional chef segments.

Emerging players

• Woosong University (Woosong College / Sol International Hospitality): South Korean university with a hospitality program that recently joined ALMA's international network. Emerging player in the Asian culinary higher-education segment and ALMA partner.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/Alma_School
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/alma-scuola-cucina

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Subsidiaries2 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 ALMA - The International School of Italian Cuisine