The Western India Culinary Association (WICA) is set to host the 13th edition of Chef’s Connect 2026 on October 8, at Hilton Mumbai International Airport, bringing together leading chefs, culinary professionals, hospitality experts, educators and food industry stakeholders for a day dedicated to knowledge exchange, professional networking and the future of India’s culinary landscape.

Chef’s Connect has established itself as an important platform for the culinary fraternity, creating meaningful conversations between chefs and the brands, innovators and businesses that support the food and hospitality industry.

This year’s edition is being presented with the support of an impressive line-up of industry partners.

Delta Nutritives Pvt. Ltd. joins as the Presenting Partner, with Nestlé India as the Powered By Partner. Bakels India comes on board as the Bread Innovation Partner, while Signature International Foods & Fresh2Go are the FlatBread Partners.

The event also welcomes Fourtune Gourmet as the Associate Partner and BioKraft Foods as the Food Innovation Partner. King Metal Works joins as the Gift Partner, while Chefs Unlimited is the Uniform Partner.

The event’s media outreach is supported by The Chefs Arena, BakeryBiz, Incredible World of Hospitality News, Better Kitchen and HospiBuz Hospitality Lexis, who join as Media Partners.

The programme will bring together senior chefs and culinary professionals for engaging discussions, demonstrations, knowledge sessions, product showcases and networking opportunities. With the participation of leading hospitality professionals, Chef’s Connect aims to create a platform where ideas, technology, ingredients and culinary talent come together.

Chef Salil Fadnis, President, WICA, said: “Chef’s Connect has grown into much more than an annual gathering of chefs. It is a platform where our fraternity comes together to learn, exchange ideas, recognise innovation and collectively look at the direction in which our industry is moving. The support of our partners is extremely important because the evolution of the culinary profession is closely linked to innovation in ingredients, equipment, technology and food solutions. This year, we look forward to creating an even more engaging and meaningful experience for the culinary community.”

The 13th edition will continue WICA’s commitment to providing chefs with opportunities for professional development, knowledge sharing, industry interaction and recognition, while

strengthening the connection between the culinary community and the wider food and hospitality ecosystem.

With an expected gathering of leading executive chefs and culinary professionals from across the region, Chef’s Connect 2026 promises to be an important meeting point for the industry—where chefs connect, ideas evolve and the future of food takes shape.

About WICA

The Western India Culinary Association (WICA) is a professional association representing chefs and culinary professionals across Western India. WICA works towards the development of the culinary profession through education, competitions, networking initiatives, knowledge-sharing programmes and industry engagement.

Chef’s Connect is WICA’s flagship annual gathering, bringing together the culinary fraternity and the wider hospitality industry for a day of learning, collaboration and celebration.