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The Hospitality Purchasing Managers' Forum (HPMF) has announced the launch of the HPMF Chairman's Legacy Series to mark the 75th birthday of its Chairman, Mohan Deshpande. The initiative has been established as a permanent institutional programme to recognise Deshpande's exceptional contribution to the hospitality industry and his enduring legacy of leadership, integrity, mentorship and service.
Deshpande has been an integral part of HPMF's journey, providing visionary leadership, strategic guidance and unwavering support in shaping the Forum into one of India's most respected professional hospitality organisations. His commitment to nurturing talent and promoting professional excellence has positively influenced hospitality professionals across the country.
The Chairman's Legacy Series has been conceived as a long-term platform dedicated to leadership development, professional recognition, education and sustainability within the hospitality fraternity. As part of the initiative, HPMF will progressively introduce several flagship programmes, including the Chairman Mohan Deshpande Leadership & Excellence Award, an annual national honour recognising excellence, ethical conduct and leadership in hospitality procurement and supply chain management.
The initiative will also feature the Chairman Mohan Deshpande Mentorship Programme, designed to connect experienced hospitality leaders with emerging professionals, and the Chairman Mohan Deshpande Scholarship for Hospitality Students, which aims to support deserving hospitality management students. Another key component will be the Chairman Mohan Deshpande Annual Leadership Lecture, where distinguished national and international hospitality leaders will share knowledge and inspire the next generation of professionals. Reinforcing HPMF's commitment to environmental responsibility, the Legacy Series will also include the 75 Trees for 75 Years sustainability initiative.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Nitin Shankar Nagrale, Founder and General Secretary of HPMF, described the launch as a historic milestone for the organisation. He said the initiative is not merely a celebration of Deshpande's 75th birthday but a lasting legacy that will preserve the values of integrity, humility and service while inspiring future generations of hospitality professionals. He also acknowledged Deshpande's role as a mentor and guiding force whose contribution to HPMF and the hospitality fraternity continues to shape the industry.
The inaugural roadmap and future programmes under the Chairman's Legacy Series will be formally unveiled during the HPMF Convention & Awards 2027, scheduled to be held from 28 to 31 January 2027 at The Leela Gandhinagar. Through this landmark initiative, HPMF aims to create a lasting platform that celebrates leadership, encourages professional excellence, supports education and sustainability, and ensures that Mohan Deshpande's vision continues to inspire the hospitality community for generations to come.
On the eve of the much-anticipated football final, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), in partnership with Food Square, hosted an engaging evening that brought together renowned chefs, hospitality professionals, food enthusiasts, and industry friends for a unique celebration of food and football.
The event showcased the versatility and quality of premium American agricultural products through a range of delicious American-inspired dishes, creating the perfect setting for networking, culinary conversations, and shared excitement ahead of the big match.
The gathering was attended by Nicole Podesta, Senior Attaché for Agricultural Affairs, along with Dhru Sood, Priyal Thakur, members of the USDA team, leading chefs, and distinguished guests from the hospitality fraternity. Addressing the audience, Nicole Podesta highlighted the diversity, quality, and growing popularity of American food products while emphasizing USDA's continued efforts to strengthen culinary collaborations and promote U.S. ingredients in India.
During the evening, Ekta Bhargava, Publisher of Better Kitchen, presented a copy of the coffee table book Global Triumph: Indian Chefs & Cuisines to Nicole Podesta. The collector's edition chronicles the remarkable journey of Indian cuisine on the global stage and honours the chefs who have played a significant role in taking India's rich culinary heritage beyond borders. Featuring detailed profiles and signature recipes of more than 100 distinguished Indian chefs from India and across the world, the publication serves as a tribute to their outstanding contributions while showcasing the diversity and global influence of Indian cuisine.
With its lively ambience, exceptional cuisine, and meaningful interactions, the evening beautifully demonstrated how food transcends boundaries and brings people together, making it a memorable celebration of culinary excellence, friendship, and football.
India’s dynamic food culture took centre stage at the NDTV Food Awards 2026, celebrating the chefs, restaurants, and industry professionals shaping the country’s evolving culinary landscape. The prestigious awards recognised excellence across diverse categories, highlighting innovation, regional pride, creativity, and craftsmanship in Indian gastronomy.
The event brought together the many facets of India’s food ecosystem—from iconic restaurants and celebrated chefs to ambitious new openings, landmark institutions, and hospitality professionals who continue to raise industry standards. The awards reflected the growing confidence of Indian cuisine—deeply rooted in tradition while becoming increasingly contemporary, experimental, and global in outlook.
The NDTV Food Awards 2026 were judged by an eminent jury chaired by Vir Sanghvi. The distinguished panel included Sourish Bhattacharyya, Asma Khan, Anindya Sundar Basu, Dr. Shabnam Banu, Ananya Banerjee, Marryam H Reshii, Kurush Dalal, and Roshni Bajaj Sanghvi.
Speaking on the occasion, Rahul Kanwal said that India’s food landscape is witnessing an extraordinary phase of creativity, confidence, and reinvention. He emphasised that the awards celebrate those adding depth, imagination, and distinction to this journey, while reinforcing that the honours stand firmly for merit, integrity, and trust.
Jury Chair Vir Sanghvi noted that the winners represent the remarkable diversity and ambition of India’s food culture. He highlighted that the awardees reflect excellence, originality, consistency, and a deep respect for culinary craft, showcasing the richness of India’s gastronomic future.
This year’s winners showcased the enterprise, imagination, and depth that have positioned India among the world’s most exciting food destinations.
NDTV Food Awards 2026 – Winners List
Best Chinese Restaurant of the Year: Baoshuan
Best European Restaurant of the Year: The Table
Best Asian Restaurant of the Year: Seefah
Best Italian Restaurant of the Year: Americano
Best Japanese Restaurant of the Year: Izumi
Best Indian Restaurant (North Indian): Chor Bizarre
Best Indian Restaurant (South Indian): Karavalli
Best Indian Restaurant (Regional): Ethnic Table
Best Indian Restaurant (Modern): Sienna
Best Opening of the Year: Nisaba by Manish Mehrotra
Best Bakery & Patisserie: Paris My Love
Best All-Day Dining: The Qube
Most Innovative Indian Restaurant: Avartana
Historic Restaurant of India: Aminia
Legendary Restaurant of India: Bukhara
F&B Professional of the Year: Mirelle Pingfu
Best Restaurant of the Year: Papa’s
Chef of the Year (International): Himanshu Saini
Best Restaurateur of the Year: Doma Wang
Outstanding Contribution to Indian Food: Kunal Kapur
Chef of the Year: Manu Chandra
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Dear Readers,
Greetings!
The bakery and confectionery landscape in India is undergoing a remarkable transformation—driven by evolving consumer lifestyles, technological advancements, and a renewed appreciation for craftsmanship. In this issue of Better Kitchen, we bring together stories that reflect the energy and direction of this dynamic sector.
Our cover story, From Oven to Opportunity: India’s Rise as a Global Bakery Powerhouse, explores how India is steadily emerging as a significant force on the global stage, powered by innovation and a new generation of skilled professionals. In Indulgence Redefined: From Occasions to Everyday Delight, we shift the spotlight to chocolates, tracing their journey from festive indulgences to everyday pleasures, mirroring changing consumer behaviour.
Technology continues to redefine the industry, as highlighted in The AI Advantage: A New Era for Bakery Businesses, where smart solutions are enhancing precision, efficiency, and creativity. At the same time, Fresh, Healthy & Handmade reflects the growing demand for artisanal, wholesome offerings that align with modern hospitality trends.
Equally vital is awareness around safety and sustainability. From Frying Pan to Health Risk: The Truth About Reheated Oil underscores the importance of responsible kitchen practices and their long-term health implications.
On the design front, Molteni & C marks a significant step in the evolution of premium interior design in India with the opening of its new store, redefining the synergy between living and cooking spaces.
A highlight of this issue is the successful culmination of the Better Kitchen Culinary Challenge (BKCC) and Better Kitchen Baking Championship (BKBC), which, after spanning 19 cities across India, concluded with a grand finale celebrating exceptional talent. These platforms continue to nurture and inspire the next generation of culinary professionals.
As always, this issue is a blend of insight, innovation, and inspiration—capturing not just the present, but the promising future of the industry.
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
Always check the expiry date before buying or using food products.
The Better Kitchen Convention & Awards 2026 returns as one of India’s most influential platforms for the culinary and hospitality ecosystem—bringing together industry leaders, innovators, and emerging talent for a powerful exchange of ideas, recognition, and collaboration.
More than just an event, it is a catalyst for industry growth and meaningful engagement, offering a unique opportunity to:
Build powerful networks
Gain actionable insights
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