Thank you for making the Food Connoisseurs India Convention 2024 – West India Edition a Grand Success!
Conference Agenda
10:00 AM - 10:05 AM
Welcome Address
INAUGURAL KEYNOTE BY CONFERENCE CHAIRPERSON
10:05 AM - 10:15 AM
The Evolution of Food Service industry in India - Past, Present and Future
Chef Abhijit Saha, Restauranteur, Food & Beverage Consultant, Oenophile and Author; Chef-Owner – LYFE, Farm to Fork Restaurant, Bangalore
SESSION 1
10:15 AM - 11:25 AM
Navigating the Technicalities of Starting a Food Business
Fundamental steps: Market research, Concept development, and Business planning
Factors to consider: Target Audience, Menu Design, and Branding Strategies
Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Understanding Restaurant Permits and Licenses
Addressing the importance of complying with health, safety, and zoning regulations
Kitchen and Equipment Setup: Ensuring Operational Efficiency
Financial Management and Sustainability: Ensuring Long-Term Success
Beyond the Plate: Building a Brand and Expanding Reach in the Competitive Food Market
SESSION LEAD
Chef Abhijit Saha, Chef-Entrepreneur, Restauranteur, Food & Beverage Consultant, Oenophile and Author
SPEAKERS
Chef Saransh Goila, Celebrity Chef & Founder, Goila Butter Chicken
Mr. Rahul Seth, Co-Founder, Burger Singh
Mr. Prahlad Sukhtankar, Founder, The Black Sheep Bistro and Black Market Goa
Mr. Pranav Rungta, Co-Founder and Director, Nksha Restaurant and Vice President, NRAI
Chef Ishijyot Surri, Executive Chef & Founder, SJI Hospitality & Foods Pvt. Ltd.
Mr. G K Pramod, Author, Mentor, Serial Entrepreneur, Co-Founder – Iyengar’s Oven Fresh, Coffee Confessions, Casa Picossa Tropical Terrace, Bengaluru Belly
Ms. Eesha Sukhi, Director, The BlueBop Cafe
SESSION 2
11:35 AM - 12:30 PM
Culinary Teleportation: Exploring Global Flavors in India
Adapting flavors and spices to suit the Indian palate without diluting the essence of international cuisine
Leveraging the Experience Economy: Providing immersive culinary journeys that go beyond just food
Sustainability in Global Gastronomy: Balancing authenticity and eco-consciousness in promoting global flavors
Value Proposition and Exclusivity: Communicating worth despite high menu prices & Capitalizing on the demand for exclusive dining options, especially in urban and upscale settings
Exploring fusion cuisine that blends international flavors with Indian ingredients, catering to both adventurous eaters and those seeking a touch of familiarity
Navigating Challenges: Trade restrictions, ingredient sourcing difficulties, and cultural sensitivities in menu planning
SESSION LEAD
Chef Shaun Kenworthy, Chef, Restaurateur, Consultant, Food & Travel Writer
SPEAKERS
Chef Montu Saini, Executive Chef – Parliament House, Sr. Executive Chef – President’s Secretariat (June 2015 – August 2020), Honourary Member To Le Club Des Chefs Des Chefs (CCC) (Since June 2015), CCC – Club Of Personal Chefs Of Heads Of States & The World’s Most Exclusive Gastronomic Society
Mr. Ameet Phadke, Vice President, D2C Business at Rebel Foods
KEYNOTE
12:30 PM - 12:40 PM
Keynote Address: Introduction to Nestle Professional
Mr. Pankaj Giradkar, Sr. Key Accounts Manager, Nestle Professional
SESSION 3
12:40 PM - 1:30 PM
Revolutionizing Restaurant Excellence: Exploring Innovations and Best Practices
Measures to choose the right technology
Technology streamlining & automating restaurant front-end and back-end operations
Leveraging data-driven insights for demand forecasting, inventory optimization, and efficient procurement
Supply Chain Hurdles: Sourcing quality ingredients, maintaining consistency, ensuring timely deliveries , all while preserving product quality and freshness
Manufacturers co-creating with Chefs & innovating pre-processed and pre-packaged ingredients to reduce kitchen prep time
The Intersection of Technology and Culinary Delights in Modern Food Courts
Intelligent equipments and machines enhancing culinary operations and boosting creativity in food presentation
Role of advanced cleaning and sanitization services in maintaining food safety standards and customer satisfaction
SESSION LEAD
Chef Vinod Bhatti, Food Range & Supply Leader, IKEA India & Member – Indian Culinary Forum, IFCA, WACS
SPEAKERS
Mr. Rajendra Kalkar, President (Malls) & Whole Time Director, The Phoenix Mills Ltd
Mr. Parthiv Patel, Ceo & Co-Founder, Petpooja
Mr. Tarak Bhattacharya, Executive Director & CEO, Mad Over Donuts
Mr. Jasmit Tibb, Managing Director, Tibb’s Frankie
Mr. Sanandan Sudhir, Founder & CTO, On2Cook India
Mr. Rajeev Matta, Founder, Chholay; Partner, Matta Kansara & Sons Llp
01:30 PM - 02:15 PM
NETWORKING LUNCH
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SESSION 4
2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
Coffee Innovation Partner (Session Partner)
Reinventing Café and Bakery Culture: The Flavor Revolution
Crafting unique experiences through creative menu designs for cafes and bakeries.
Investigating advancements in coffee brewing technology and their impact on flavor profiles, consistency, and customer preferences.
Exploring the implementation of automated systems in the baking industry to improve consistency and reduce manual labor.
Discussing the role of technology in precise climate control for consistent bakery product quality.
Advent of speciality coffee and its impact on the café culture
Role played by Barista vs equipment in preparing a good product
New trends in the coffee menu
Exploring how integrating art installations and designs can add elegance to cafe and bakery outlet designs.
How to achieve standardization in the product as you scale as a chain
SESSION LEAD
Mr. Abhinav Mathur, Managing Director, Kaapi Machines
SPEAKERS
Mr. Vikas Panjabi, Co-Founder & MD, The Chocolate Room (India) Private Limited
Mr. Arjun Chugh, Founder, 7th Heaven Bakery Cafe, 7th Avenue Waffles & 7th Street Boba
Mr. Gaurav Narang, Founder, Coffee Culture
Mr. Krishna Parekh, Founder & CEO, SnapitBread
Mr. Ankur Gupta, Co-Founder, Curators Coffee
Mr. Mithilesh Vazalwar, Founder & CEO, Corridor Seven Coffee Roasters
KEYNOTE
3:15 PM - 3:25 PM
Keynote Address: Savoring Success: Navigating the Restaurant Landscape at Bhumi World Factory Outlet
Mr. Prakash Patel, Managing Director, Bhumi World
SESSION 5
3:25 PM - 4:15 PM
The Shifting Landscape of Indian Nightlife
Adjusting to Shifting Consumer Trends: The Transformation of Restaurant Chains within the Bar Scene
Elevating the Drinking Experience through thoughtful Liquor and Food pairings
What’s Hot and What’s Not in RTD (Ready to Drink): Convenience, Energy, Flavor, Function
Creating a Multi-Sensory Experience through the craft of Bartending, Service, and Food Presentation
Menu Innovation – Infusing the essence and concept of the bar, the emergence of seasonal selections, and limited-time exclusives
Growing popularity of Fermented Drinks, Mocktails, Zero-proof and low ABV alternatives to wine and beer
Assessing the future of Functional Beverages within the Non-alcoholic Category innovations
Elevating the Nights with Entertainment and Interactions to outshine the competition
Bridging the Beverage Education Gap in India
SESSION LEAD
Ms. Vaniitha Jaiin, Founder, The Perfect Pour
SPEAKERS
Ms. Shatbhi Basu, Director, Creative Consultants & STIR Academy Of Bartending
Mr. Gaurav H Parikh, Director, Richboyz Hospitality Pvt Ltd
Mr. Amrish Arora, Managing Director, Fountain Hospitality Pvt Ltd
Mr. R. S. Dharmendra, General Manager – Sales & Operations, Gillys Chain Of Restrobars
KEYNOTE
4:15 PM - 4:30 PM
Keynote Address: Emphasizing the importance of readymade food in restaurants for delivering freshness, nutritional value, reducing serving time, and enhancing the overall customer experience
Chef Aanal Kotak, Celebrity Chef & Co-Founder, TSK Hospitality LLP
SESSION 6
4:35 PM - 5:35 PM
CULINARY CREATIVITY: INNOVATION IN FOOD & BEVERAGES
Driving the innovation in menu
Strategies for adapting menus to evolving culinary trends and customer preferences
Creating a long-lasting experience
Incorporating Nutritional and Nutraceutical Properties of Millets in restaurant offerings
Discussing innovative ways to incorporate functional ingredients in restaurant menus while maintaining flavor and appeal
Discussing collaborations with local suppliers and farms to source fresh and sustainable ingredients
Exploring the seamless integration of desserts in restaurant menus that highlight and complement each season’s unique flavors and ingredients
SESSION LEAD
Chef Gautam Mehrishi, Corporate Executive Chef, NESCO Foods
SPEAKERS
Mr. Siddhant Raghunandan Kamath, Director, Natural Ice Creams
Chef Aanal Kotak, Celebrity Chef & Co-Founder, TSK Hospitality LLP