Twenty companies and individuals received awards from the French-Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIFB) for their contribution to strengthening Bulgaria's position on the international scene, improving the national economic environment, and increasing the country's attractiveness as an investment destination. The awards were presented at a ceremony here on May 13 within the Gala of CCIFB Stars special event.
The CCIFB has 350 members. The event took place under the auspices of French Ambassador to Bulgaria Marie Dumoulin.
Speaking at the ceremony, CCIFB head Stephane Delahaye said the distinguished companies contribute to the modernization of Bulgaria's economy and higher standards on the local market. In the context of a very insecure world, the formation of a new parliamentary majority and government in Bulgaria will contribute to a prosperous and sustainable future of the country, he noted.
Ambassador Dumoulin said that the awarded companies, through their capability for innovations, entrepreneurship and commitment, play a full role in Bulgaria's economic development and strengthening its position in Europe and on the international scene. In the context of deep economic, technological, and energy transformations, enterprises play a key role; they generate growth, jobs, competences, and trust, and contribute to a more competitive, innovative, and sovereign Europe, she noted. In her words, the awarded companies show the quality of French-Bulgarian economic cooperation, based on trust, high standards, and a shared vision for Europe's future.
In his address, InvestBulgaria Secretary General Yulian Balchev recalled that his agency and the CCIFB have cooperated for 20 years. During this period, 13 significant projects worth over EUR 600 million were implemented, creating more than 2,200 jobs.
Lawyer Vladimir Penkov was awarded for his contribution to the development and high achievements of the Bulgarian law education and honest friendship with the French-Bulgarian community.
Veolia Bulgaria received an award for successful concession management that shows the long-term commitment of the French experts to the ecological approach and Bulgarian regional development. The company invests nearly EUR 30 million a year in water resource conservation and green energy development.
Robertet Group Bulgaria was awarded for turning the Bulgarian heritage in the production of rose and lavender essential oils into the heart of the most prestigious French perfumes, including the brands Guerlain and Dior.
Air Liquide Bulgaria was awarded as a leading French and internationally represented industrial company and a strategic partner of Bulgaria. The company is investing nearly EUR 100 million in a new industrial gas plant in Pirdop.
EnduroSat received an award as a leader in the Bulgarian and European space industry and a manufacturer of modular satellites. The company has a subsidiary in France, a testament to its international potential and dynamic growth.
Edenred was awarded for establishing itself as a pioneer in the modernization of social benefits in Bulgaria. Since 2001, the company has contributed to the creation and structuring of this system, which today is of significant importance to the country’s economy;
Sirma received an award for combining innovation, artificial intelligence, and a European spirit. The company acquired S & G Technology Services in 2024, a firm founded by Frenchman Fabrice Gouttebroze, who is a member of the CCIFB. Sirma is also developing a strategic project for sovereign artificial intelligence through Sirma.AI, supported by significant investments in research and development;
Also distinguished was Latecoere Bulgaria, an iconic company in the French aviation industry, which has been investing in Bulgaria since 2018 and provides employment for 500 people;
Malterie Soufflet Bulgaria was awarded as a company that, through its strategic investment of EUR 60 million in Pleven, contributes sustainably to the development of the Bulgarian agricultural and food sector and to the strengthening of French-Bulgarian economic relations;
Ingiliz Group was distinguished for promoting Bulgarian craftsmanship around the world through its creations, recognized as the most prestigious film and fashion stages, including on the stage of the Eurovision song contest this week.
Tombou Bulgaria was distinguished as a leading company in the food voucher sector and for establishing itself as a key partner in enhancing purchasing power and modernizing social benefits, while successfully embodying the strength of economic ties between France and Bulgaria;
Mr. Bricolage was awarded as the first company in Bulgaria in the Do It Yourself sector. The brand operates 13 retail locations across the country.
Fantastico Group received an award as a family-owned company contributing to the modernization of retail trade in Bulgaria.
Speedy, part of the La Poste group, was awarded for embodying an exemplary French-Bulgarian success story in the strategic sectors of logistics and express transport.
Act Logistics was distinguished for embodying a successful French family business story in Bulgaria. The company has been operating in the Bulgarian market for nearly 25 years.
Toma’s Bakery, a family-owned company, was awarded for its contribution to establishing the quality of French pastries in Bulgaria. It is also the creator of the country’s first production facility for French macarons;
Schneider Electric was awarded for the company’s EUR 55 million investment in a new high-tech plant in Plovdiv, which is among the group’s most modern facilities in Europe, and for the creation of 110 jobs. The company is expanding its presence in Bulgaria for the third time and reaffirming its confidence in the country’s industrial potential. The company has been operating in Bulgaria for over 20 years.
Pluxee received an award as one of the leaders in the food voucher sector in Bulgaria and part of a French group with an international presence.
Marie Brizard Wine & Spirits, part of the French group La Martiniquaise, was distinguished for successfully promoting the wine traditions and craftsmanship of France and Bulgaria through the winemaking of Domaine Menada.
17 Senses Design, a French-Bulgarian startup in the field of interior design, was awarded for elegantly combining French creativity with Bulgarian craftsmanship.
The official part of the event ended with the welcoming of 25 new members of the CCIFB.
Source: BTA