C7I - Approve Culinary Exchange with Paris

Resolutions - C7 I

COMMISSION MEMORANDUM

RECOMMENDATION

The Administration recommends approval of the Resolution.

BACKGROUND/HISTORY

On February 26, 2025, the Mayor and City Commission referred to the Public Safety and Neighborhood Quality of Life Committee (PSNQLC) at the request of Commissioner Rosen- Gonzalez, a discussion about initiating a culinary exchange program in collaboration with the Paris Île-de-France Chamber of Trade and Crafts (the "Paris Chamber'') including a proposal to host French culinary students in Miami Beach this year.

The Paris Chamber is a public institution charged with promotion and support of the craft trades in France, from vocational training through small-business incubation. To promote its interests in Florida, the Paris Chamber has a partnership with the Florida chapter of the French American Association of Crafts and Trades (the "French American Association"). Working together under French leadership, both organizations promote the French artisanal crafts throughout Florida and encourage international mobility of French craftworkers from the Paris metropolitan region. (See Attachment A)

The French American Association has established efforts in the City of Miami Beach in support of its goal of increasing access, to training and education for younger members of the labor force. Each year, the organization organizes the annual "Best Baguette and Best Croissant Competition" in Miami Beach. Recently, the competition’s three top contestants, students at the Miami School of Bakery, were awarded with a trip to France to participate in the annual "Fete du Pain" festival, which celebrates the significance of bread in French culture.

On July 9, 2025, the PSNQLC discussed the proposed initiative and recommended favorably for City Commission support. The PSNQLC was receptive to City staff’s preliminary planning ideas, which include leveraging the expertise and resources of Miami-area culinary and hospitality industry partners. The discussion included a presentation from Sodexo Live which proposed a “Culinary Exchange Day” at the Miami Beach Convention Center. (See Attachment B)

ANALYSIS

Benefits of Cultural Exchange

According to the French American Association, South Florida's artisan bakery sector is booming, yet local businesses increasingly report a shortage of highly trained culinary staff. As proposed in an inaugural pilot, the initial October 2025 exchange would expose visiting pastry and bakery vocational trainees to local students and professionals, creating a bilateral pipeline of talent, innovation, and partnership.

By immersing French apprentices in Miami Beach's multicultural food scene, where Latin American, Caribbean, and regional flavors intersect, participants will gain local knowledge about menu development and kitchen operations. Likewise, Miami Beach participants would benefit from the acclaimed French technique for pastry and bakery arts.

Beyond technical training, an exchange program promotes the sharing of cultural experiences and amplifies Miami Beach's global brand. Miami Beach would further establish itself as a leader in multicultural cuisine, educational opportunity, and international talent. From an economic development perspective, visiting students and instructors will generate incremental tourism revenue and initial success of the partnership may lay the groundwork for future endeavors across other industries.

October 2025 Student Visit

As proposed, this unique opportunity to showcase Miami Beach as a global culinary destination will include the City welcoming six to eight French culinary students and two instructors in October 2025.

To ensure a strategically beneficial program, City staff proposes efforts to support success in several ways:

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Explore partnerships with local restaurants, hotels, and leadership to host hands-on training, menu development sessions, and cooking roundtables, for example, the event proposed by Sodexo, the Convention Center's food and beverage provider. Define clear learning objectives, such as cross-cultural culinary exploration and/or training opportunities, such as learning about large-scale venue food and beverage operations. Help design a program structure that ensures engagement, mentorship, and meaningful experiences beyond menu tastings, for example, participation in unique Miami Beach community events that broaden the program's reach. Capture and analysis of post-program metrics, e.g., participant feedback, business lead generation, and media impressions, to explore possible long-term opportunities for growth and potentially elevating Miami Beach's international stature in gastronomy.

While the immediate objective is to establish and plan an initial opportunity for cultural exchange in October 2025, a broader vision may include positioning Miami Beach as a center recognized for international collaboration which would include working with culinary students at the local high school along with the GMCVB‘s Culinary Arts Program. With Miami Beach's diverse ecosystem, thriving tourism, and strong connections to global markets, this exchange is an exciting step that elevates Miami Beach's presence in international gastronomy.

FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT

In-kind support will include City staff planning and coordination efforts. The initial cost of developing such a program, including organization of the October 2025 visit, is to be determined upon further planning and development.

Depending on interest and the desired level of support from the City Commission, a modest, one- time investment in hospitality, venue coordination, and guest engagement could yield long-term benefits for the Miami Beach economy and brand.

Does this Ordinance require a Business Impact Estimate? (FOR ORDINANCES ONLY)

If applicable, the Business Impact Estimate (BIE) was published on: See BIE at: https://www.miamibeachfl.gov/city-hall/city-clerk/meeting-notices/

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

CONCLUSION

Similar to the City's Sister Cities Program, a well-designed educational exchange has the power to strengthen international ties, deepen cultural understanding, and enhance Miami Beach's global brand.

The Administration recommends approving formation of a pilot culinary exchange, in collaboration with the Paris Île-de-France Chamber and the French American Association, which leverages the City’s established hospitality partners and interests, commencing with the City hosting a cohort of French culinary students in October 2025.

Applicable Area

Citywide

Was this Agenda Item initially requested by a lobbyist which, as defined in Code Sec. 2-481, includes a principal engaged in lobbying? No

If so, specify the name of lobbyist(s) and principal(s):

Department

Economic Development

Sponsor(s)

Commissioner Kristen Rosen Gonzalez

Co-sponsor(s)

Condensed Title

Accept Rec/Approve French Culinary Exchange Initiative. (Rosen Gonzalez) ED

Previous Action (For City Clerk Use Only)