On July 21, Melonpan — the gastronomic branch of Maison Marom Group — and the Green Rock Foundation, the implementing body of the Apicius Armenia hospitality school project, signed a Memorandum of Understanding, establishing a long-term partnership in education, cultural exchange, and the development of professional talent in the hospitality sector.
Melonpan has become the first official partner of Apicius Armenia’s scholarship program, providing support for students’ education. The partnership aims to foster the next generation of gastronomy professionals who will preserve Armenian identity while meeting international standards.
“For Maison Marom, this partnership is a way to actively contribute to the formation of a new generation of hospitality professionals in Armenia. We are not simply looking for ready-made specialists; we want to take part in their growth, share our experience, and offer a real working environment where service is regarded not as routine, but as culture. This is part of our long-term vision — investing in human potential as a driving force for the future, creating local expertise, and helping to strengthen the industry from within.”
— Igor Serikov, Deputy Director, Maison Marom
“At Apicius Armenia, partnerships with local initiatives are at the core of everything we do. It is through engagement with communities that meaning is created, culture is preserved, and the basis for development emerges. Our collaboration with Melonpan is important not only in the educational framework — we share common values. Together, we are building a platform where Armenian youth can deepen their understanding of their gastronomic and cultural identity, while receiving modern, international education. We believe this type of education connects past and future, transforming tradition into a source of innovation.”
— Katya Bredikhina, Director of Apicius Armenia Project & Green Rock Foundation
Maison Marom believes in the potential of the local market and views its development as a responsibility. Actively operating in Armenia, the group seeks to shape a new generation of hospitality professionals with conscious, creative, and flexible mindsets.
“At Maison Marom, service is not just a skill — it is a mindset. Our work is grounded in values: respect, attention to detail, aesthetics, and human warmth. This is why we place such importance on developing young professionals — sharing not only practical skills and technological knowledge, but also the culture of hospitality that defines our ecosystem. Our partnership with Apicius Armenia enables us to engage in the educational process, discover new talent, and support their growth, eventually integrating them into our projects — particularly within Melonpan.”
— Lana Poghosyan, Head of Communications & Partnerships, Maison Marom
Within the partnership, Melonpan will play an active role in organizing and conducting masterclasses, special lectures, and other educational initiatives aimed at providing students with practical knowledge and skills, including:
- Masterclasses and seminars with Maison Marom experts.
- Student meetings focused on professional orientation and applied skill development.
- Mentorship programs where Melonpan professionals guide students throughout their educational and career journey.
- Participation in cultural and gastronomic events, including culinary festivals, exhibitions, and cultural programs.
The Apicius Armenia school, scheduled to open in September 2025 in Dilijan, is being developed in collaboration with Apicius International School of Hospitality in Italy — one of Europe’s leading institutions in hospitality education and the first international hospitality school recognized for its academic and professional excellence. The school will offer both academic and practice-oriented programs taught by Italian and international experts.
Maison Marom, a lifestyle-oriented group of companies, continues its mission to transform business into cultural infrastructure by supporting initiatives that bridge diverse fields — from fashion and gastronomy to design and heritage preservation. Melonpan, as part of this philosophy, acts not only as a gastronomic brand but also as an active contributor to Armenia’s cultural development.
