The 12th Edition of the Food Connoisseurs India Convention (FCIC) 2026, held on 29th and 30th September at The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel, Delhi, brought together India’s foremost chefs, celebrated restaurateurs, distinguished hospitality leaders and visionary entrepreneurs for a grand celebration of excellence across the Food, Beverage and HoReCa industry. An initiative by Industry Live, the prestigious national gathering witnessed 4,000+ attendees, 90+ speakers and 20+ knowledge sessions, culminating in 200+ prestigious awards honouring outstanding achievements across the industry.

Spanning two remarkable days, the convention brought together India’s leading chefs, restaurateurs and hospitality visionaries for an exceptional exchange of knowledge, experiences and perspectives on the industry’s future. Through thought-provoking keynote addresses, engaging fireside chats and insightful panel discussions, distinguished speakers shared their journeys, expertise and practical insights into the opportunities, challenges and transformations shaping the Food, Beverage and HoReCa industry. The discussions explored restaurant profitability, business expansion and scalability, AI-driven hospitality, cloud kitchen innovation and experiential dining alongside culinary creativity, emerging café and bakery trends, digital influence, sustainable food practices and hospitality leadership. Beyond exploring emerging trends, the sessions offered actionable insights, fresh perspectives and meaningful learning opportunities, reinforcing the convention’s position as a distinguished platform for industry knowledge, thought leadership, collaboration and future-focused innovation.

The distinguished speaker line-up featured Mr. Zorawar Kalra, Founder & Managing Director, Massive Restaurants Pvt. Ltd., as the Conference Chairperson, Chef Hemant Oberoi, Founder, OB Hospitality & Hemant Oberoi Hospitality and Founder, Michelin Selection Martabaan by Hemant Oberoi, One Toque by Gault&Millau, Mr. Ranjit Paliath, CEO, Lite Bite Foods Pvt. Ltd., Ms. Rashmi Uday Singh, author of 40 food books, TV host, recipient of the French government’s Chevalier knighthood and Founder of the global non-profit Hospitality Hope, Chef Davinder Kumar, Vice President, Le Meridien Hotel, New Delhi & President, Indian Culinary Forum, Mr. Prashant Issar, Managing Director, Bellona Hospitality Services Limited, Mr. Kaushik Roy, Founder & CEO, Biryani By Kilo, Mr. Sumit Govind Sharma, Founder & Director, Monarch Liberty Hospitality (MLH), Chef Vineet Manocha, Head – Culinary Innovation & Production, Devyani International Ltd., Chef Mayank Tiwari, Executive Chef, PVR INOX Limited, alongside many other distinguished industry voices.

Adding a distinguished literary dimension to the convention was the unveiling of the “Jewels of Food & Beverage India”, an exclusive coffee table book celebrating the finest HoReCa establishments, visionary foodpreneurs, acclaimed chefs and F&B professionals from across the country. Showcasing inspiring journeys of culinary passion, entrepreneurial ambition and exceptional craftsmanship, the publication brought together stories of iconic dining destinations, signature cafés, artisanal bakeries and pioneering hospitality ventures that have redefined customer experiences. The prestigious edition was unveiled before an esteemed gathering of senior HoReCa leaders, renowned restaurateurs, celebrated chefs, investors, consultants and hospitality veterans, honouring the remarkable individuals and enterprises shaping India’s culinary legacy.

The convention reached its grand culmination with the Food Connoisseurs India Awards 2026 – National Edition, an illustrious occasion honouring outstanding achievements, culinary distinction and entrepreneurial success across India’s Food, Beverage and HoReCa industry. Bringing together renowned restaurants, heritage establishments, leading hospitality brands and emerging enterprises from across the country, the ceremony recognised remarkable contributions spanning diverse cuisines, regional culinary traditions, innovative dining concepts and the evolving foodservice landscape. With 200+ prestigious honours, the awards paid tribute to the passion, perseverance and visionary leadership shaping India’s vibrant culinary and hospitality ecosystem.

Reflecting the remarkable diversity and richness of India’s food culture, the winners represented a wide spectrum of culinary traditions, business achievements and hospitality experiences. Among the winners were Indian Accent, United Coffee House, Trèsind Mumbai, Copper Chimney, Barbeque Nation, Punjab Grill, Kamaths Ourtimes Ice creams Private Limited (Naturals Ice cream), L’Opéra, Gulati Restaurant, Bikaji, Ishaara, Bengali Sweet House (Bhimsains), 6 Ballygunge Place, Qureshi Kabab Corner, Kesar Da Dhaba, Jamavar – The Leela Palace Jaipur, Thalassa Beach Boutique Resort, Ironhill India, TAT, Buhari Hotel Mount Road, Bachelorr’s: Scoops, Sips & Bites (Since 1930s), Ambur Star Briyani International Pvt. Ltd. along with numerous other establishments and brands from across India. Collectively, the winners represented the richness of India’s culinary heritage, the diversity of its hospitality landscape and the industry’s unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation and exceptional dining experiences.

Concluding on a resounding note, the 12th Edition of the Food Connoisseurs India Convention 2026 stood as a remarkable celebration of the visionaries, enterprises and achievements defining India’s evolving food and hospitality landscape. From influential industry deliberations and the prestigious unveiling of the coffee table book, Jewels of Food & Beverage India to the grandeur of the national awards, the convention brought together the very best of India’s culinary and hospitality fraternity under one distinguished platform. The fifth National Edition further reaffirmed the Food Connoisseurs India Convention’s

stature as India’s definitive national platform for celebrating excellence, strengthening industry connections, inspiring innovation and shaping the future of the Food, Beverage and HoReCa industry.