India’s coffee culture is about to get a serious shot of espresso, straight from Italy. Through a collaboration with the Espresso Academy and Italian Coffee Academy in Florence, globally respected institutions that have shaped the art of coffee for decades, aspiring baristas in India can now access authentic Italian coffee expertise, heritage, and training without having to cross borders.
The academy’s programs are designed to take students through the entire coffee journey. 

Beginners can start with foundational barista skills, while seasoned enthusiasts can refine their craft with advanced Latte Art and Speciality Coffee Masterclasses. For those seeking a full-fledged professional path, comprehensive Diploma Programs are available, tailored to meet the highest international standards. Hands-on training is at the heart of this initiative. Students work alongside seasoned coffee professionals in real café environments, using state-of-the-art espresso machines and brewing tools.

The curriculum blends practical skills with international best practices, ensuring graduates are industry-ready from day one. What makes these courses stand out is their career-oriented approach. With coffee culture booming across India and gaining particular momentum in Tier II and Tier III cities, the demand for skilled baristas is set to grow exponentially. Graduates are equipped to step into roles in speciality cafés, luxury hotels, cruise lines, or even launch their entrepreneurial ventures.

Adding to the appeal is the globally recognised certification awarded to every graduate. These credentials not only enhance employability but also open doors to international career opportunities, making Indian-trained baristas competitive on the global stage. Since its launch in March 2025, the academy has seen rapid growth and built a vibrant alumni network. Many graduates have already secured opportunities abroad, while others are proudly running their cafés back home.

To support this journey, the academy offers dedicated placement assistance, connecting students with top coffee businesses in India. With the global coffee industry evolving rapidly and consumer expectations rising, this Italian-Indian collaboration is more than just a training program; it’s a movement to raise the standards of coffee-making in India.

About the Company:

Italian Coffee Academy India, Delhi, is a premier institution for authentic coffee education. Affiliated with Espresso Academy Italy, Florence, it offers top-tier training in barista skills, coffee brewing, and espresso expertise. The academy specialises in the Italian Barista Certificate (IBC) courses, equipping students with in-depth knowledge of coffee origins, espresso extraction, milk frothing, and latte art. Graduates who pass the final exam receive the internationally recognised IBC, validating their skills for global opportunities. 

With expert trainers, advanced equipment, and immersive hands-on learning, it’s the ideal destination for aspiring baristas and coffee professionals. The academy is led by Mr Arjun Sethi, whose vision is to bridge Italy’s coffee heritage with India’s growing café culture. With extensive experience in the hospitality industry and a deep passion for coffee education, the MD plays a pivotal role in introducing global training standards to the Indian market, ensuring students not only learn but also excel at the craft.

Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd (ROHL), one of India’s fastest-growing hospitality chains with a presence across India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, has announced a robust performance for the first quarter of FY26. The company posted a consolidated income of ₹82.80 crore and a standalone income of ₹48.45 crore for the quarter ended June 30, 2025.

Commenting on the results, Chander K. Baljee, Chairman & Managing Director of ROHL, said:

“This quarter’s performance reinforces our strong growth momentum and the trust our guests and stakeholders place in us. With consolidated income of ₹82.80 crore and standalone income of ₹48.46 crore, we have delivered results that reflect both operational excellence and strategic foresight.”

The quarter also saw the opening of Regenta Bharti Resort, Pune, and Regenta Waterfront Resort, Dapoli, as part of ROHL’s mission to strengthen its footprint in high-potential markets. The group has over 2,500 keys in the pipeline for launch in the next nine months.

Financial Highlights:

• Consolidated Profit After Tax (PAT): ₹3.62 crore
  

• Standalone PAT: ₹11.19 crore
  

The ROHL Group operates over 80+ Regenta hotels across multiple categories, making Regenta the primary growth driver across the country.

In line with its customer engagement strategy, the group is rolling out Regenta Rewards, a unified loyalty program that will connect all 118+ hotels under the group’s portfolio, along with upcoming additions planned for the year.

Mr. Baljee reaffirmed the company’s vision:

“Our commitment to transparency, innovation, and exceptional guest experiences remains unwavering, and we are confident in continuing this upward trajectory in the quarters ahead.”

With a strong expansion pipeline, an established brand presence, and a loyal customer base, ROHL is poised to maintain its momentum and further strengthen its position in the hospitality sector.

What happens when an industry worth $66 billion, projected to nearly double by 2030, gathers its brightest minds under one roof? You get The 14th Indian Restaurant Congress & Awards (IRC), a spectacular showcase of culinary evolution, tech-infused dining, and global ambition. Held on 5–6 August 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, and co-located with the Coffee & Tea Asia Summit, this year's IRC was more than an event—it was a movement.

A Global Outlook: The Theme that Tied It All Together

From Indian brands going global to global chains finding roots in India, the theme “A Global Outlook” set the tone for a dynamic exchange of ideas around cuisine, design, storytelling, and service.

Anil Chadha, MD of ITC Hotels, inaugurated the event, organized by Restaurant India & Franchise India, supported by visionary partners like Cremica, Indian Oil Corporation Ltd., Trufrost& Butler, Happilo, and institutional supporters such as Incredible India, Indian Culinary Forum, AIFPA, HOTREMAI and others.

Who Was in the Room?

Chefs, restaurateurs, tech disruptors, policymakers, beverage innovators, food service leaders, and trend-watchers gathered for two days of inspiration and actionable insights. And yes, the aroma of change was unmistakable.

Key Takeaways from the Industry Leaders

“This generation tweets before they eat.”
– Anil Chadha, MD, ITC Hotels & Conference Chairperson 2025
He stressed how AI-driven plating, taste innovation, and authenticity are redefining consumer expectations.

“Fast, affordable, inclusive.”
– M. Mahadevan, Chairman, Advantage Foods Pvt Ltd
Mahadevan emphasized tailoring cuisine to local demand—and creating jobs for LGBTQIA+ and disabled communities.

“Quick delivery is the future of all food.”
– Kallol Banerjee, Co-Founder, Rebel Foods
Rebel Foods is doubling down on tier-2 markets, with health-conscious consumers and kitchen tech leading the charge.

“It’s Zepto vs. Blinkit now.”
– Anjan Chatterjee, CMD, Speciality Restaurants
QSR is getting sharper and faster. Anjan revealed their in-house app now accounts for 12% of sales.

“Touch the customer deeply.”
– AkshayBector, CMD, Cremica Food Industries Ltd
Bector highlighted long-term brand love and how Bukhara’s journey symbolizes what’s possible when authenticity meets customer delight.

“Fusion, seasonality, and soul.”
– Chef Vicky Ratnani, Founder, SpeakBurgers
From global Indian flavors to sustainable sourcing, Vicky is crafting dishes that travel the world while staying rooted.

Entrepreneur Restaurateur — A New Chapter Begins

This edition marked the debut of Restaurant India print publication, spotlighting India’s F&B game-changers. The cover stars?

• Anjan Chatterjee – The culinary visionary behind Mainland China and Oh! Calcutta
• Kallol Banerjee – Global cloud kitchen pioneer, Rebel Foods
• Chef Vicky Ratnani – India’s storytelling chef pushing global flavor frontiers

It’s Gala Time

Restaurant India hosted the 14th Indian Restaurant Awards on 5th August 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. IRA garnered nominations from 500+ brands, with 80+ brands winning the awards. 700 attendees attended this event and celebrated the outstanding achievements in India’s F&B sector, earning both media spotlight and national recognition. There were various categories like ‘Restaurant of the Year,’ ‘Best QSR Concept,’ ‘Coffee Chain of the Year,’ ‘Executive Chef of the Year’ among others.

The Road Ahead

With dining trends shifting rapidly, IRC continues to be a lighthouse for restaurateurs navigating change. This year’s edition did more than award excellence—it fueled innovation, sparked collaborations, and spotlighted the new forces shaping Indian hospitality.

From the kitchen to the cloud, from flavor to fintech—the future of food is being written now, and IRC is where the story begins.