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French Ambassador honours France At Home co-founder
Sandra Ira receives French Agricultural Merit, recognising work promoting French producers in Australia through France At Home and community supports.
On Thursday 12 February 2026, Sandra Ira, co-founder and owner of France At Home, was conferred the title of Chevalière of the French National Order of Agricultural Merit by His Excellency Mr Pierre-André Imbert, Ambassador of France to Australia. The ceremony took place at France At Home’s warehouse in Somerton, Victoria.
This distinction recognises Sandra Ira’s contribution to promoting French agricultural products and producers in Australia. Since founding France At Home in 2016 with her husband Robert Ira, Sandra has played a central role in supporting French producers. She has introduced authentic French products to Australian consumers and served the French expatriate and Francophile communities nationwide.
France At Home has grown from a small family operation into Australia’s leading importer and retailer of French groceries, operating from a 520+ square metre warehouse in Victoria and supplying both retail and wholesale customers across the country. The company offers a wide range of premium French products, including pantry essentials, regional specialties, organic and wellness ranges, and regularly participates in pop-up French supermarkets and cultural events.
Sandra Ira said:
“Being appointed Chevalière of the French National Order of Agricultural Merit is a tremendous honour. This recognition reflects the dedication of my husband Robert and our team, and our shared commitment to supporting French producers, sharing French culture and serving the community that has supported us from the very beginning."
France At Home actively collaborates with French non-profit organisations and institutions in Australia, including Alliance Française branches, French schools, and French-speaking associations, promoting cultural initiatives, providing culinary education, and community programs.
Source: France At Home
