Thank you for making the Food Connoisseurs India Convention 2025 – West India Edition a Grand Success!
21st May 2025 | NESCO Centre, Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai
21st May 2025 | NESCO Centre, Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai
Thank you for making the Food Connoisseurs India Convention 2025 – West India Edition a Grand Success!
Agenda
09:00 AM - 9:45 AM
Conference Registration along with Networking Tea
10:00 AM - 10:05 AM
Welcome Address
10:05 AM - 10:15 AM
Inaugural Keynote Address More than food: Curating stories through Food, Creativity and Passion
Chef Hemant Oberoi, Founder, OB Hospitality & Hemant Oberoi Hospitality; Founder, Michelin Selection Martabaan by Hemant Oberoi, One Toque by Gault&Millau
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
Session 1: Unlocking the Future of Dining
Trends in Full-Service Restaurants (FSRs): Opportunities and Challenges
Scaling with Franchising & Localising Fast Food
Operational Efficiency in QSRs, restaurants, cloud kitchens
Fusion Cuisine Blending Local and Global Flavors
From Keto to Plant-Based Menus, Health-Conscious Dining Ruling the Platter
Leveraging Technology with a Tempering of AI, Digital Menus, and Contactless Experiences
Food Delivery Evolution: How Cloud Kitchens Are Shaping Dining Habits
Addressing Sustainability in Fine Dining: Waste Management and Local Sourcing
Session Lead
Chef Gautam Mehrishi-Corporate Executive Chef, Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Limited
Speakers
Mr. Abhayraj Singh Kohli – Partner, Tori & Director of Grandmamas Cafe, Pritam, Nakhra, Pritam Da Dhaba, MRP
Mr. Ankit Tayal – Co-Founder, True Palate Hospitality (one8 Commune, Neuma, Pincode by Chef Kunal Kapoor & Jolene)
Mr. Dheeraj Gupta– Managing Director, Jumboking
Mr. Mukesh Katotra – Executive Director & CFO, Jamie Oliver Restaurant Group India
Chef Ambar Rode – Chef and Restaurateur, Founder- Nannas Negroni, Lepetit Amour, Flamingo Pune, Fig and Fromage
Chef Altamsh Patel – Executive Chef, Hilton Mumbai International Airport, Joint Secretary WICA
11:35 AM - 12:25 PM
Session 2: The Burgeoning Café Culture
The Rise of Experiential Cafés: What’s Beyond Coffee?
Bakery and Patisserie Boom: Shaping Urban Café Menus
Millennials and Gen Z as Key Drivers of Café Culture
Evolving Design and Ambience: Creating Memorable Café Spaces
Role of Social Media in Defining the Café Experience
Promoting Local Artisans and Coffee Roasters
Session Partner
Coffee Innovation Partner
Session Lead
Mr. Abhinav Mathur-Managing Director, Kaapi Machines
Speakers
Mr. Abhijeet Anand– Founder, abCoffee
Mr. Sid Marchant– Co-Founder, Good Flippin’ Burgers & FLYP Coffee
Ms. Deepa Hall, Business Head – F&B at Reliance Brands Limited
Mr. Navin Shetty– Business Head Retail, Chaipoint
Mr. Shashank Anumula, Managing Partner, Cafe Niloufer
12:40 PM - 1:30 PM
Session 3: HoReCa Going GLOCAL with Local Flavors, Global Reach
Surge of Regional and Micro-Cuisines in Restaurants
Authenticity vs Innovation: Balancing Traditional and Modern
Showcasing Indigenous Ingredients to the Global Market
Collaborating with Local Farmers and Producers
Culinary Tourism in West India: Attracting the Global Foodie
Food Festivals: Boosting Local Cuisine and Community Engagement
Wholesome, balanced meals crafted with fresh, nutrient-rich ingredients
Health-driven cuisine made with seasonal, organic produce, curated for all ages
Healthy & sustainably sourced produce & earthy flavours to every plate
Session Lead
Chef Michael Swamy-Celebrity Chef & Restaurateur, Food Stylist, Author
Speakers
Chef Hemant Oberoi, Founder, OB Hospitality & Hemant Oberoi Hospitality; Founder, Michelin Selection Martabaan by Hemant Oberoi, One Toque by Gault&Millau
Mr. Pawan Shahri-Co-Founder & CEO, Chrome Hospitality (Late Checkout, Gigi, Lyla, Eve, Kaia, Donna Deli, Shy Cafe and Bar)
Chef Avinash Martins-Principal Culinary Artist, Chef & Founder, Cavatina
Ms. Sonal Barmecha – Managing Director, Santé hospitality pvt ltd, La Magia and Yumma Swami
Chef Ranjeet Pandey, Vice President, Operations, Fisherman’s Wharf