The Indian culinary landscape witnessed a magnificent gathering of gastronomic enthusiasts and industry leaders as the curtains rose on the much-awaited India Restaurant Congress 2023. Hosted by Ritu Marya, a distinguished figure in the world of food and hospitality, this event promised to be a melting pot of culinary innovation and business acumen.
Kindling the Flame of Culinary Brilliance
Ritu Marya, the Editor-in-Chief of Franchise India, opened the event with a fervent welcome, setting the stage for a journey into the heart of the Indian restaurant industry. She was joined by luminaries such as Anjan Chatterjee, Founder & MD of Speciality Restaurants, and Meril Pereyra, Managing Director of Pizza Hut at Yum! Brands India Subcontinent, and Akshay Bector, Chairman & MD of Cremica Food Industries Ltd. These industry stalwarts collectively ignited the flame of culinary brilliance, emphasizing the industry’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of gastronomy.
Restaurant Industry 2023 & Ahead
Merrill Pereyra, the Conference Chairperson for India Restaurant Congress 2023, led discussions on the current state and future prospects of the Indian restaurant industry. With India’s rapidly evolving culinary landscape, challenges and opportunities abound. Pereyra’s insights as the MD of Pizza Hut at Yum! Brands India Subcontinent provided invaluable context for understanding the dynamics at play.
Meeting the Future Leaders
A panel discussion moderated by Ritu Marya brought together the next generation of restaurant leaders. Pawan Shahri, CEO of Chrome Hospitality, Vikrant Batra, Co-Founder of Dhansoo Café & Café Delhi Heights, Raghav Verma, Co-Founder of Chaayos, and Shivam Shahi, Co-Founder of Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters, shared their experiences and vision for the industry. Their innovative approaches are reshaping the food service landscape.
Redefining the Catering Industry
Supply chain innovation took centre stage at India Restaurant Congress 2023. K Sailendra, Executive Director (LPG) at Indian Oil Corporation Ltd., discussed the merging of physical and digital in the catering industry. His insights shed light on how the industry is adapting to changing consumer preferences and technological advancements.
From Investment to Partnership
The transformation of investor relations in the restaurant sector was explored in a panel moderated by Rajat Tuli, Partner at Kearney. Tarun Khanna, Partner at CX Advisors LLP, Amit Bagga, Co-Founder of Daryaganj Hospitality, Archana Jahagirdar, Managing Partner of Rukam Capital, and Karan Makan, Founder & MD of Quantum Oakmen Partners, discussed the evolving landscape of investments and partnerships in the industry.
Unlocking Culinary Secrets
MAGGI Noodle tantalized attendees by revealing the secrets behind their famous pasta, while Nu Taste provided a glimpse into the highlights of the Indian Restaurant Congress 2023. These social media moments showcased the excitement and anticipation surrounding the event.
Keynote Addresses
Siddharth Singh, AVP-Strategy at Nu Taste Food & Drink Labs, delivered a keynote address, providing valuable insights into the evolving food and beverage landscape. Ashok Pandey, Business India at Lee KumKee International Holdings Ltd, also shared his perspective, contributing to the wealth of knowledge available at the event.
How Cafe and Bakery Biz has Grown in India
Chef Gauri Varma, Founder of Confect Sugar Paste, led a discussion on the booming cafe and bakery business in India. Kazem Samandari, Exec. Chairman of L’Opéra, Chef Neha Lakhani, Co-founder of Arq Mithai, Gaurav Wadhwa, Founder Director of Theos Food Pvt Ltd, and Sahil Mehta, Founder of Paris my love & Partner at Tedco Goodrich Chefs Academy (TGCA), shared their journeys and insights into this thriving sector.
Indian Restaurant Awards 2023
The anticipation reached its zenith as the Indian Restaurant Awards 2023 took centre stage. The event provided an opportunity to celebrate excellence in the industry, recognizing the efforts and innovations of restaurateurs across the nation.
Networking Extravaganza
Amidst the bustling event, attendees had the chance to network and forge new connections. The exchange of ideas and experiences over glasses of bubbly created a vibrant atmosphere that encapsulated the spirit of the Indian Restaurant Congress & Awards 2023.
Chief Guest – Dino Morea
The event was graced by the charismatic Dino Morea as the Chief Guest. His presence added an extra layer of star power to the already glittering culinary celebration.
In summary, the India Restaurant Congress 2023‘s Day 1 was a remarkable amalgamation of culinary expertise, industry insights, and networking opportunities. With each session, panel discussion, and keynote address, the event underscored the restaurant industry’s dynamism and its relentless pursuit of culinary excellence. As the curtains closed on Day 1, attendees were left eagerly anticipating what the following days of the congress would unveil in the world of Indian gastronomy.
