The Hospitality Procurement Managers Forum (HPMF) Convention, held from 26 to 29 September in Lucknow-Ayodhya Dham, concluded on a triumphant note, marked by the signing of MoUs worth INR 1200 crores. This achievement underscores the convention's success, which was driven by a clear strategic vision, flawless execution, and significant contributions to both the industry and social responsibility.
The convention offered unmatched opportunities for the professional development of procurement professionals and senior managers. HPMF launched several key initiatives, including the ambitious "100 Milestones in 1000 Days" project, the HPMF Gurukul program, and an innovative tech platform designed to streamline procurement processes. The organization's expansion strategy also took center stage, with plans to establish international chapters, collaborate with government departments, and forge partnerships with major industry players. The event strongly emphasized sustainability, green technology, women’s equity, and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives.
Over 525 delegates, partners, media personnel, and industry leaders attended, fostering deep connections in an atmosphere that was equal parts development-focused and enjoyable. Attendees praised the event for its comprehensive approach, offering robust networking opportunities and insightful professional discussions.
The convention featured inspiring keynote speeches, including one from Chief Guest Surendra Jaiswal, President of HRANI and the UP Hotel & Restaurant Association, who underscored the importance of resilience, innovation, and sustainability as the driving forces for future growth in the hospitality sector. Guest of Honour Gaurav Prakash, a prominent entrepreneur and hotelier, offered valuable insights into strategic partnerships and the evolving landscape of India’s hospitality industry.
The Tourism Department of Uttar Pradesh played a pivotal role in the event's success, positioning the state as a burgeoning hub for tourism and hospitality. Attendees were treated to a spiritual journey to the Shri Ram Lalla Temple, along with cultural festivities such as a laser show at Ram Katha Park. The event also showcased Uttar Pradesh's rich cultural heritage through traditional music, dance, qawwali performances, and regional cuisine.
The convention’s business outcomes exceeded expectations, with over 100 deals and several MoUs signed during B2B meetings, collectively valued at INR 1200 crores. This impressive result placed the convention on par with larger government-led events in terms of impact and scale.
A major highlight was the HPMF Procurement Excellence Awards, which celebrated outstanding individuals, particularly focusing on Women Achievers of India. Notable honors included the Thakur Giriraj Singh Ji Lotwara Memorial Award, presented to Padma Shri Dr. Rajnikant, and the HPMF Lifetime Achievement Award, conferred upon N. Srinivasan.
Dr. Nitin Nagrale, the visionary founder and driving force behind HPMF, received widespread accolades for his leadership and vision. The convention's resounding success has set a new benchmark for the hospitality industry, leaving participants inspired and eager for future collaborations.
The highly anticipated Better Kitchen Awards & Convention 2024 concluded with resounding success, bringing together over 200 of India’s finest professionals in the culinary, kitchen, and hospitality sectors. Held at the Novotel Mumbai International Airport, the event honored individuals, restaurants, commercial kitchens, and organizations from the HoReCa products sector for their exceptional contributions, setting new benchmarks for innovation, leadership, and best practices.
The Better Kitchen Awards have firmly established themselves as a hallmark of excellence, recognizing remarkable achievements across a diverse range of categories, including culinary innovation, procurement excellence, sustainable practices, and leadership. The awards spotlight the trailblazing efforts that are shaping the future of India’s kitchen and hospitality industries.
Ekkta Bhargava, Publisher of Better Kitchen and organizer of the event, expressed her enthusiasm: "These awards are a testament to the immense talent, innovation, and dedication within the kitchen and hospitality sectors. The Better Kitchen Awards have become a beacon of recognition, honoring those who not only excel in their fields but also set new standards of excellence and creativity in culinary arts, commercial kitchens, HoReCa products, and beyond."
This year's event went beyond an awards ceremony, offering a platform for insightful discussions and learning. The convention featured an impressive lineup of industry leaders, keynote speakers, and expert panels addressing critical topics such as the shortage of talent and the quality of hospitality education in India, transforming kitchens for profitability and performance, sustainability behind the bar, responsible sourcing practices, and the art of food & personal portrait photography for hospitality. Workshops led by renowned culinary figures such as Chef Abhijit Saha, Chef Saby, and Chef Vikas Chawla further explored emerging trends and opportunities within the culinary and hospitality landscape.
In a special moment during the celebration, Better Kitchen proudly unveiled its highly anticipated Chefs Coffee Table Book. This special edition, marking Better Kitchen's 9th anniversary, celebrates the evolution of Indian cuisine and chefs, featuring profiles and signature recipes from renowned Indian chefs. The book highlights the growing global recognition of Indian culinary traditions and their increasing influence on the international stage.
The convention also provided invaluable networking opportunities, enabling attendees to connect with industry peers, exchange insights, and explore collaborations for the future.
The evening culminated in a grand awards ceremony, where individuals, restaurants, and organizations were honored for their exceptional achievements. These awardees have set new benchmarks and demonstrated the passion and innovation necessary to propel the industry forward.
The awardees for the Better Kitchen Awards 2024 are as follows:
Kitchen Consultants:
Kitchen Consultant of South India - Subroto Goswami
Kitchen Consultant for Concept-Based Restaurant - Ritesh Tulsian
Excellence in Integrating Style and Function (Kitchen Consultant) - Nimish Bhatia
Kitchen Consultant (Bakery) - Ram Prakash Sharma
F&B Consultant - Amit Puri
Food & Beverage:
F&B Manager South India - Ashish Dayal, The Park - Hyderabad
F&B Manager West India - Aniket Deshpande, Aurika Mumbai
Innovative Sommelier - Rachit Sharma
Bartender Mentor of the Year - Ajinkya Chaughule
Restaurants:
Local Cuisine Restaurant - Bambai
Theme-Based Restaurant - Tat
Innovative Veg Restaurant of India - Avatara Restaurant
Fine Dine Restaurant South India - Aish The Park Hyderabad
Regional Cuisine Restaurant – Mulk
HoReCa Product:
Bombay Engineering Co.
Brand Managers:
Brand Manager of the Year - Shivdas Nair
Brand Manager (Café) - Roshni Sharma
Restaurant Branding Consultant - Dianne Mendonca
Purchase Manager:
Purchase Manager of the year - Santosh Doiphode, Mad Over Donuts
Chefs:
Sous Chef North India - Vikram Shokeen, The Ashok - New Delhi
Excellence in Guest Experience & Hospitality - Tushar Malkani, The Yellow House – IHCL SeleQtion Goa
Promoter of Indian Cuisines - Mohammed Shareef, ITC Grand Central - Mumbai
Executive Chef of West India - Narasinh Kamath, Hilton - Goa
Executive Chef of North India - Sahil Arora, Hyatt - Dehradun
Executive Chef of Central India - Jeevan Singh, Jehan Numa Palace - Bhopal
Executive Chef of South India - Kedar Bobde, Grand Hyatt - Kochi
Pastry Chef of West India - Dinesh Khandare, Jio World
Innovative Pastry Chef of India - Vivek Chauhan, Le Meridian - New Delhi
Fusion Chef - Roshan Tadadikar, Novotel Mumbai International Airport
Mexican Cuisine Chef of India - Vikas Seth, Embassy Leisure and Entertainment - Bengaluru
South Asian Cuisine Chef of India - Suresh Kanna G, Chennai
Thai Cuisine Chef - Thomthong Sungkaha, Taj Holiday Village Resort & Spa Goa
Maharashtrian Cuisine Chef - Nilesh Limaye, Celebrity Chef
Jharkhandi Cuisine Chef - Nishant Choubey, Celebrity Chef
Executive Chef – Stand-Alone Restaurant - Parikshit Joshi, The Park - Navi Mumbai
Executive Chef – Boutique Hotel - Pandari Satya Narayana, The Park Hyderabad
Distinguished Executive Chef - Abhijeet Anil Thakre, Vivanta New Delhi
Distinguished Cruise Executive Chef - Jai Kumar Bhasin
Distinguish Executive Chef Banquet - Rajani Ranjan Rashmi, Sahara Star - Mumbai
Executive Chef – Catering - Rahul Kaushik, Food Links - Mumbai
Sweet & Chaat Catalyst - Raj Sethia, Bengaluru
Outstanding Food Experience in Retail - Vinod Bhati, Ikea
Social Media Star Chef of India - Jerson Fernandes, Sodexo
Artisan Chef of India - Anup Gupta, Taj Lakefront - Bhopal
Culinary Leadership and F&B Innovation - Anshul Sethi, Fortune Park Lakecity, Thane
Popular Choice:
Abhijit Saha - Exceptional Achievement Award
Altamsh Patel - Young Chef of India
Amit Gothwal - Presidential Chef of India
Dayashankar Sharma - Artisan Chef Overseas
Dev Kasalkar - Young Chef Mentor of India
Gautam Mehrishi - Master of Culinary Techniques - India
Jugesh Arora - Entrepreneur Chef of India
Md. Anees Khan - Patisserie Maestro of India
Neeraj Tyagi - Culinary Director of India
Nitin Nagrale - Excellence in Global Procurement
Nitin Tandon - Food Stylist of India
Parvinder Singh Bali - Mentor Maestro of India
Paul Naronha - Executive Chef of India
Prashant Kulkarni - Outstanding Leadership in F&B Operations
Sabyasachi Gorai - Maverick Chef
Salil Fadnis - Exceptional Achievement Award
Sidney Dcunha - Culinary Artist of India
Sudhakar Rao - Exceptional Achievement Award
Sudhir Pai - Kitchen Consultant of India
Vicky Ratnani - Celebrity Chef of India
Vijaya Baskaran - Vernon Coelho Memorial Award
Vikas Chawla - Millet Chef of India
Vivek Kadam - Executive Pastry Chef of India
Life Time Achievement:
Naresh Shahani - Kitchen Consultancy
Satish Arora - Chef
The Hospitality Purchasing Managers’ Forum (HPMF) is excited to announce the HPMF Convention and Awards 2024, scheduled for September 26-29, 2024, in Lucknow and Ayodhya Dham. This prestigious event is set to bolster Uttar Pradesh’s (UP) growth as a global hub for hospitality and ecotourism, aligning with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's transformative vision for the state.
As the largest hospitality event in Uttar Pradesh, the convention will attract participants from 8 countries and 40 Indian cities. The event will feature notable figures, including royalty, international five-star hotel owners, and representatives from over 200 billion-dollar enterprises, showcasing UP’s potential on a global scale.
Founded in 2010, HPMF has grown to over 6,000 members worldwide. Its 14th-anniversary celebration will focus on Ease of Doing Business in Hospitality, with a strong emphasis on ecotourism and education. Investors are expected to gather in UP, paving the way for significant growth in these sectors.
The event promises a unique blend of business and culture, offering attendees the chance to explore Ayodhya’s rich heritage and Lucknow’s renowned Nawabi “Tehzeeb.” Dr. Nitin Shankar Nagrale, Founder and General Secretary of HPMF, expressed that participants will enjoy an immersive journey through the life of Lord Ram, cultural performances, and the art and cuisine of Awadh.
Highlights include the 12th annual Procurement Excellence Awards, recognizing industry leaders, and B2B meetings with over 60 vendors. In addition, 14 renowned journalists will spotlight UP’s advancements in hospitality, tourism, and education.
The event will also honor 14 Women Achievers for their outstanding contributions to India’s growth, making this year’s convention a powerful platform for celebrating leadership and innovation in hospitality.
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Dear Readers,
As we transition into the year end, the culinary world is buzzing with excitement, and Better Kitchen is here to capture it all. In this edition, we bring you a rich tapestry of flavors and stories that promise to tantalize your senses and ignite your passion for food.
One of the highlights of this issue is the Better Kitchen Awards, where we celebrate excellence in the culinary world. From innovative chefs to sustainable practices, these awards recognize the best in the industry and inspire others to reach greater heights.
We also had the pleasure of sitting down with Chef Harpal Singh Sokhi, a culinary maestro known for his vibrant personality and delectable dishes. In an exclusive interview, Chef Sokhi shares his culinary journey, from humble beginnings to the success of his venture, Karigari. His insights and passion for food are sure to inspire aspiring chefs and food enthusiasts alike.
In our quest to explore the diversity of Indian cuisine, we delve into the world of Indian Ber. This lesser-known fruit is a powerhouse of nutrients and flavors, making it a must-try for culinary enthusiasts looking to expand their palate.
Safety in food consumption is paramount, and we address this concern with an in-depth look at the safety of sushi. From sourcing to preparation, we examine the measures taken to ensure that this Japanese delicacy is safe for consumption.
Gut health is a topic gaining prominence in the culinary world, and we explore its importance in our article on the subject. Discover how the food we eat impacts our gut health and what steps we can take to maintain a healthy digestive system.
In addition to these exclusive features, we bring you a report on the Indian Culinary Forum Awards, highlighting the achievements of culinary professionals who have made a significant impact on the industry. We also cover the Western India Chefs Association's event, Chef's Connect, where chefs come together to share their knowledge and experiences.
As always, we include our regular features, providing you with the latest news and updates from the world of food and hospitality.
We hope this edition of Better Kitchen leaves you inspired and eager to embark on your culinary adventures.
Happy reading and happy cooking!
Ekta Bhargava
Managing Editor
Better Kitchen has started a weekly recipe contest on WhatsApp Group - Gourmet Delight with Better Kitchen. The members are home chefs and professional chefs. The recipes contest is open only for the group home chef members. The winning and chefs choice recipes are featured in Better Kitchen website. Five times Winner will get a chance to meet celebrity chef and interact with him/her about the recipe.
The celebrity chef will modify the recipe and give a new twist in the recipe. The modified recipe will also be featured in the Better Kitchen website as well as magazine.
Interested in joining the group? Send an email with your name, email ID, mobile number and city to events@betterkitchen.in
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The Better Kitchen Awards is a prestigious event dedicated to recognizing excellence within the culinary and hospitality industry in India. It is the only awards program in the country that acknowledges the outstanding contributions of chefs, F&B managers, kitchen consultants, bartenders, sommeliers, brand managers, purchase managers, commercial kitchens, and HoReCa products. These awards celebrate innovation, dedication, and the pursuit of culinary excellence, bringing together the best talents and products from the industry.
The Better Kitchen Convention is a comprehensive event encompassing all sectors of the hospitality industry. During the day, prominent speakers and industry leaders will engage in panel discussions on current trends and the future of the hospitality world. The convention will also feature a showcase of HoReCa products and services, where guests can visit exhibitors, explore their offerings, and gain valuable insights. Ample time will be provided during breaks for networking, making it an ideal platform for interaction and connection.
Limited seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Once the seats are full, registration will be closed. You can secure your seat by registering through the link below:
https://forms.gle/vezDuqbyzpwduhfP8
You can nominate yourself or a colleague for different awards categories through the link below:
https://forms.gle/waRDb3vzTc4Qm2xg6
Hotels' kitchens are also eligible for awards in different categories. You can nominate them using the link below:
https://forms.gle/gfhFsRbKLxBMq8Eq5
The last date for submitting nominations is August 20, 2024.
If you are interested in joining us as a sponsor, please contact us at +91 9967011113.
Watch check the highlights of Better Kitchen Awards 2023:-
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