From Spain with Love: with Annie Sibonney (pictured), the first production from Shaftesbury’s nascent factual division, has been picked up by Scripps Networks Interactive’s Food Network for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), following its successful first season on Food Network Canada.

The 13 x 30-minutes gastro-travel series, which also aired on Cooking Channel in the U.S. this summer, sees Sibonney traveling “from the sun-drenched beaches of Mallorca to the rugged Pyrenees to show viewers that Spanish cuisine has more to offer than just paella,” according to Food Network EMEA.

The series will premiere this October on the EMEA feed, making it available in more than 80 countries, and will also premiere on the UK channel early 2012. “The series is more than just a recipe show,” said Nick Thorogood, MD of Food Network EMEA. “Annie does an amazing job of inviting viewers in, to give them an authentic taste and feel for Spanish culture and cuisine.”

Rachel Low, VP of factual entertainment at Toronto-based Shaftesbury, added: “From Spain with Love embodies our strategy to bring globally relevant talent to the factual world. We’re looking forward to introducing Food Network audiences in the UK and EMEA to Annie’s fun, spontaneous approach to food and culture.”