14 April 2026 Driving Growth Through Procurement: HPMF Eastern Chapter Convention 2026

The Hospitality Purchasing Managers’ Forum (HPMF) successfully hosted its Eastern Chapter Annual Convention 2026, bringing together industry leaders, procurement professionals, and partners from across India, Nepal, and Bhutan. The event served as a vibrant platform for knowledge sharing, cultural exchange, and strategic dialogue within the hospitality procurement community.

The evening began on a festive note with a traditional welcome featuring Dhaki, Dhunuchi, Shankho, and Kulo dance performances, followed by a lively Baisakhi Agomoni dance, setting the tone for an engaging and culturally rich gathering. The ceremonial lamp lighting by advisory board members and distinguished guests formally inaugurated the convention.

The event featured insightful welcome addresses by Dr. Phalguni Das, Dr. Souvagya Mahapatra, and Dr. Nitin Shankar Nagrale, who highlighted the growing importance of collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning in the procurement function.

A key highlight of the convention was the launch of the Assam and Bhutan Chapters, marking a significant milestone in HPMF’s regional expansion and strengthening its presence across South Asia.

Further strengthening industry collaboration, a strategic tie-up between the Indian Institute of Materials Management (IIMM) and HPMF was announced. As part of this initiative, HPMF will sponsor a Materials Management course for 10 of its members, reinforcing its commitment to skill development and professional growth.

The convention also featured engaging sponsor presentations and a thought-provoking panel discussion titled - “India Hospitality Growth Story: How Strategic Procurement Can Drive Scale, Sustainability & Self-Reliance.” The session explored how procurement is evolving into a key driver of operational efficiency, sustainability, and long-term growth in the hospitality sector.

Recognizing excellence and contribution, the event included memento presentations, along with discussions on CSR initiatives and support for local art and handicrafts, reflecting the industry’s broader social responsibility.

The evening concluded with a lively Bollywood dance performance and a networking dinner, offering attendees an opportunity to connect, exchange ideas, and celebrate the spirit of collaboration.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Biplab Bharti said, “This convention reflects the growing strength and unity of the Eastern Chapter. We are proud to bring together diverse talent and thought leadership on one platform, with a focus on meaningful engagement and regional excellence.”

Adding to this, Dr. Nitin Shankar Nagrale remarked, “HPMF has always believed in the power of collaboration and continuous learning. From expanding into new regions to investing in skill development, we remain committed to empowering our members and building a future-ready procurement ecosystem.”

The HPMF Eastern Chapter Convention 2026 stands as a testament to the forum’s ongoing commitment to fostering collaboration, innovation, and excellence in hospitality procurement.

20 December 2025 ‘Global Triumph: Indian Chefs & Cuisines’ Launched to Honour India’s Culinary Excellence Worldwide

Better Kitchen Magazine unveiled its premium coffee table book, Global Triumph: Indian Chefs & Cuisines, at an exclusive launch and press conference attended by eminent chefs, culinary professionals, industry leaders and members of the media at the Banquets by Mulk, Mumbai.

Spanning over 300 pages, the collector’s edition documents the extraordinary journey of Indian cuisine on the global stage and honours the chefs who have played a pivotal role in taking India’s culinary heritage beyond borders. The publication features detailed profiles and signature recipes of more than 100 distinguished Indian chefs based in India and abroad. It also presents a curated overview of Indian cuisine along with a state-wise culinary showcase that highlights the depth, diversity and cultural richness of regional food traditions.

Speaking at the launch, Ekta Bhargava, Publisher of Better Kitchen Magazine and Founder & Director of Bandwagon Media, emphasised that Indian cuisine is far more than a collection of dishes—it is a reflection of history, culture and identity. She noted that Indian chefs across the world have become cultural ambassadors, preserving authenticity while creatively adapting Indian flavours for global audiences. The book, she said, was conceived to document these journeys and create a lasting record of India’s growing influence in the global culinary landscape.

The formal unveiling was followed by an interactive session with renowned chefs including Chef Satish Arora, Chef Salil Fadnis, Chef Sudhir Pai and Dr. Nitin Nagrale, who shared perspectives on their professional journeys and the increasing global appreciation for Indian cuisine.

Global Triumph: Indian Chefs & Cuisines has been widely appreciated for its refined presentation and strong editorial depth. Combining compelling narratives, chef profiles, recipes and high-quality visuals, the book traces the evolution of Indian food from its ancient roots to its contemporary international expressions. The publication stands out for recognising chefs as torchbearers of India’s gastronomic identity and for presenting their work with dignity and global relevance.

Expressing gratitude to the chefs who contributed their stories and recipes, Ekta Bhargava concluded by sharing her hope that the book would serve as a valuable reference for culinary professionals, students and food enthusiasts alike, and—with continued media support—help take the inspiring stories of Indian chefs and cuisines to audiences worldwide.

11 November 2025 Envision the Future: Viksit Bharat’s Vision for Indian Cuisine in 2047

The Indian Federation of Culinary Associations (IFCA), in collaboration with the Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI), has unveiled a nationwide initiative titled “Viksit Bharat: Indian Cuisine in 2047.” The program invites chefs, culinary students, professionals, and food enthusiasts to imagine how Indian cuisine will evolve by 2047, marking 100 years of India’s independence.

The winner of this unique contest will receive an all-expenses-paid international trip to represent India and IFCA at a TPCI International B2B Meeting or Global Trade Event, providing an opportunity to showcase Indian culinary talent on a global stage.

According to an IFCA spokesperson, the initiative reflects India’s culinary journey as it stands at the crossroads of tradition, innovation, and sustainability. The objective is to encourage participants to explore how India’s food identity can progress in line with the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. Entrants are encouraged to blend India’s rich culinary heritage with futuristic thinking, including AI-enabled kitchens, sustainable dining, wellness-based menus, zero-waste gastronomy, traceable farm-to-future systems, and the country’s expanding influence in global food diplomacy.

Participation is open to all, with no age restrictions. Each entrant must submit a 60-second video, a presentation of up to 10 slides, and a write-up not exceeding 1,000 words. Entries must be original, free of plagiarism, and created without the use of AI-generated content. Participants must also ensure proper licensing of any visuals, audio, or graphics used. Submissions can be uploaded via the link: https://forms.gle/comaEqRkVSFnMJQi9

All entries will be evaluated by the IFCA Selection Committee based on creativity, authenticity, and relevance to the theme. The winner will be announced during the World Culinary Heritage Conference and IndusFood 2026. By submitting their work, participants grant IFCA the right to use the content for promotional and publication purposes with appropriate credit. The committee’s decision will be final.

The initiative encourages exploration of future-focused ideas such as smart kitchens, zero-waste gastronomy, the revival of traditional cuisines through modern science, India’s global food diplomacy, climate-smart dining, and the evolution of culinary education and hospitality experiences.

The deadline for submissions is 1 December 2025.