EMF has taken a major step forward by signing an MOU with Notre Dame University (NDU) in Lebanon.
This groundbreaking partnership aims to enhance culinary education by embedding chocolate mastery into academic hospitality training for the first time. As part of the new agreement, a mandatory chocolate course will now be included in NDU’s hospitality management curriculum for all students. Furthermore, expert chefs from the prestigious Chocolate Academy by EMF deliver this course. Moreover, the initiative reflects EMF’s commitment to shaping the next generation of chefs through innovative and practical educational experiences.
EMF’s collaboration
This announcement comes after productive discussions with NDU leadership, who welcomed the opportunity to elevate their hospitality offerings. The newly introduced course ensures students receive hands-on training that meets international standards in chocolate preparation and presentation. As part of their academic journey, students will gain not only technical skills but also an appreciation for chocolate’s role in fine cuisine. Importantly, completion of the chocolate course is now a graduation requirement, emphasizing its importance in the overall program. Consequently, this marks the first time a university in the region has mandated such a specialized culinary course at the undergraduate level.
“Our goal remains to shape the future generation of Rising Chefs in the region through strategic and transformative collaborations. EMF has officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Notre Dame University (NDU) in Lebanon, this strategic partnership introduces a mandatory chocolate course into the curriculum of the Hospitality Management program at NDU. This course will be delivered jointly by Chocolate Academy EMF chefs, ensuring students receive world-class, hands-on chocolate training. The course is now an essential requirement for all NDU Hospitality students to graduate; it is a first of its kind in the region. This collaboration is a testament to the credibility of our work, and the growing recognition of EMF. We look forward to the impact this partnership will have on the next generation of culinary professionals and the broader hospitality sector,” stated Elias M. Feghali, chairman of EMF.
The signing ceremony was attended by university officials, EMF representatives and students, underscoring the importance of this new educational milestone.
EMF paving the way for industry-academic partnerships
The collaboration strengthens ties between academia and industry, creating a new standard for culinary education in Lebanon and beyond. Moreover, NDU continues to position itself as a forward-thinking institution, while EMF solidifies its role as a regional leader in chocolate training. Furthermore, this partnership will inspire similar initiatives across other hospitality schools throughout the MENA region. Thus, EMF once again demonstrates its passion for excellence and dedication to raising industry standards through education and innovation.
The EMF-NDU agreement is not just symbolic, it is a bold move toward reimagining what professional hospitality education can truly become.
