20 April 2026 Australian Avocados Accelerate Growth in India

Australian Avocados strengthened their strategic focus on India with an exclusive culinary showcase in Mumbai, in collaboration with the School of European Pastry. The initiative brought together industry professionals and highlighted the ingredient’s versatility through a specially curated five-course menu by Chef Parvinder Singh Bali.

The menu demonstrated the adaptability of Australian avocados across a wide spectrum of applications—from fresh, flavour-forward combinations to more indulgent and technique-driven creations. The showcase reinforced a key industry message: avocados are no longer limited to niche usage but are increasingly relevant across everyday and contemporary culinary formats.

Australian avocados, cultivated across regions such as Queensland and Western Australia, are recognised for their consistent quality and year-round availability. Nutritionally rich, they align well with evolving consumer preferences centred on health, wellness, and balanced diets.

India continues to emerge as a high-potential market for Australian Avocados. According to recent trade data, the country imported over 20,358 tonnes in the 12 months ending December 2025, with imports during July–December 2025 rising by 127% year-on-year—clearly indicating accelerating demand.

Speaking on the occasion, Duncan Wells stated, “India is one of the most exciting growth markets for Australian avocados. The pace at which consumer demand is evolving presents a strong opportunity, but sustained growth will depend on building reliable supply chains and meaningful industry partnerships.”

Adding to this, Chef Bali noted, “Australian avocados offer consistency and versatility that allow chefs to experiment across formats—from savoury to desserts. This ingredient integrates seamlessly into modern, technique-driven kitchens.”

The initiative reflects a focused, trade-led approach to market development—combining industry engagement with practical, application-based experiences. As availability expands across retail and e-commerce platforms, Australian avocados are steadily strengthening their presence in Indian kitchens, both at the professional and consumer level.

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 February 2026 EverestBKCC Season 7 Grand Finale, Celebrates India's Culinary Talent

The grand finale of the Everest Better Kitchen Culinary Challenge (EverestBKCC) – Season 7 was successfully held at DY Patil University's School of Hospitality and Tourism Studies, Navi Mumbai, following semi-final rounds conducted across 19 cities in India to select the finalists who competed for the title. Since its inception, the competition has consistently followed the theme “Flavours of India,” with a strong focus on celebrating the country's rich culinary heritage. The initiative continues to inspire hotel management students to explore regional cuisines, understand indigenous ingredients, and present Indian flavours with creativity and contemporary flair.

EverestBKCC Season 7 witnessed enthusiastic participation from aspiring chefs across the country, each bringing forward unique interpretations of traditional Indian dishes. The grand finale served as a vibrant platform where skill, innovation, and cultural appreciation came together, reinforcing the importance of Indian cuisine in modern culinary practices.

The winners of the grand finale included Rhushat Kulkarni, IHM – Mumbai as the Winner, followed by 1st Runner-Up Adepu Kushul, IHM – Hyderabad and 2nd Runner-Up M Vasanth Kumar, SRMIHM - Chennai, all of whom stood out for their exceptional culinary skills, presentation, and thoughtful execution of the theme Flavours of India, impressing the esteemed panel of judges.

To provide a national-level platform for key disciplines within the hospitality sector, three concurrent competitions were organised across all 19 cities alongside the EverestBKCC, including the Better Kitchen Bakery Champion, F&B Young Masters Challenge, and the Enzo Housekeeping Olympiad. These competitions offered students the opportunity to participate as per their area of interest and showcase their specialised skills in bakery and patisserie, food & beverage service, and housekeeping operations.

Sharing her perspective, Ekta Bhargava, Publisher of Better Kitchen Magazine, subtly emphasised that the core objective of the competition is to encourage students to deeply engage with Indian cuisines, appreciate their diversity, and contribute towards making Indian cuisine one of the most admired globally. She also underlined the importance of such platforms in helping Indian chefs gain greater visibility and recognition on the international stage.

The success of Season 7 was made possible with the support of esteemed partners including Everest, Incredible India – Ministry of Tourism GoI, Bharatgas – BPCL, Wisdom Career Education, MYMENU365, Gujarat Tourism, Chefs Unlimited, Madhusudan, Morde, Cremeitalia, and Seven Hills Food, whose collective contribution added significant value to the event.

With another successful season concluded, Better Kitchen now looks ahead to Season 8, which is set to commence from September 2026 onwards across 21 cities, culminating in a grand finale. The continued expansion of the Better Kitchen Culinary Challenge reflects its growing influence as a leading platform dedicated to promoting Indian cuisine and shaping the future of the hospitality industry.