We attended a very interesting event this weekend. The FAIC (the apex body of Caterers in India) is having their Exhibition and Convention 2016 from the 27th – 29th of August at the Bombay Exhibition Center, Goregaon East, Mumbai. Caterers from all around the country are participating in various contests, panel discussions, souvenir book launch, seminars, exhibition, and entertainment programs among other activities. This is the second edition of the convention and it looked hugely successful on the first day itself. The event was inaugurated by the Minister for Industries Mr. Subhash Desai, Chef Sanjeev Kapoor, celebrity actor Jackie Shroff and Dr. Harshdeep Kamble, Commissioner for the FDA, Maharashtra.
The topic for the panel discussion was the Future Trends of the Catering Industry and it was a healthy, insightful and informative conversation between some of the stalwarts of the catering industry in India and celebrity chefs from the ITC group of hotels and similar. It was interesting to learn about and understand the scale of this industry in India. This event is a novel idea and helps bring hoteliers, F&B specialists, banquet owners, industrial kitchen companies, event decorators and vendors, restaurant/catering equipment vendors, chefs, and many others integral to the catering industry come together under one roof. The exhibition was one of its kind and would be great for both caterers of all sizes as well as restaurateurs. The exhibitors showcased new age decor, latest trends, innovative products, upgraded equipment and advanced technology. We saw an industrial roti maker which could make approx. 700 rotis at a time, phulkas, to be precise! There were wholesalers of marinades, ready made gravies of all kinds (one of the largest companies in Asia), company making only natural food flavors and such varied ones.
Massive arrangements for breakfast, lunch and dinner were in place for all attendees, and although vegetarian only, the food fare was good to great. They had several counters serving various regional snacks and starters, chaats, soups, Awadhi, Maharastrian, Italian and various other cuisines. They had a variety of desserts and ice creams, some unique ones as well.
Overall, this was truly a new experience and recommended for anyone and everyone associated with or wanting to start up catering business or restaurants.
