When India Served the Future: Highlights from IRC & Coffee & Tea Asia Summit 2025

When India Served the Future: Highlights from IRC & Coffee & Tea Asia Summit 2025

By Hariharan U

Published on August 14, 2025

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.


Frill Hospitality: A Renowned Name in Premium Hotel Toiletries and Amenities

Frill Hospitality: A Renowned Name in Premium Hotel Toiletries and Amenities

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 25, 2025

In the world of luxury hospitality, it's often the finest details that create unforgettable guest experiences. Frill Hospitality has firmly established itself as a trusted leader in the industry, delivering premium hotel toiletries and amenities that blend exquisite fragrances, thoughtful designs, and superior quality. With a state-of-the-art manufacturing unit in Gurugram, India, Frill produces everything under strict GMP standards, ensuring paraben-free, 100% vegan, and phthalate-free formulations crafted with the finest ingredients.

Recently honored as the Most Trusted Brand in Hotel Toiletries at the India Hotel & Homestay Summit & Awards 2025, Frill continues to set the benchmark for excellence in guest-centric innovation.

Signature Collections: Where IFRA-certified Fragrance Meets Luxury

Frill Hospitality offers a stunning range of premium toiletries across three captivating brand lines, each designed to transform ordinary bathroom routines into spa-like rituals:

  • Forestra – We built it for hotels that want to deliver a truly premium, nature-inspired experience. With its elegant fragrance blend of, Bergamot, Geranium & Blond Woods, Forestra brings a boutique luxury feel to every room. The texture is rich, the packaging is sophisticated, and the performance is exceptional, making it the preferred choice for upscale resorts and modern boutique properties. 

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  • Sea BreezeSea Breeze is designed for hotels that want premium quality at smart pricing. With its clean, refreshing fragrance of Sea Salt & Lavender and high-performance formulation, Sea Breeze delivers a consistent guest experience every time. The packaging is modern, the texture feels luxurious, and the cost makes it a clear winner for high-rotation rooms. Perfect for 3- to 5-star properties looking for reliability without compromising quality. 

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  • Isvara Naturals – Our modern Ayurvedic formulations, premium textures, and the signature Soul & Vanilla fragrance create an unforgettable guest experience. Designed for luxury and boutique properties, Isvara offers high-quality, conscious amenities that elevate your brand image instantly.Every product boasts amazing, long-lasting fragrances and sophisticated packaging that seamlessly complements upscale hotel branding.

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Innovative & Sustainable Packaging for Dry Amenities

Frill offers exceptional versatility in presentation, especially for dry amenities. Options include eco-friendly kraft boxes and pouches, butter paper pouches, laminated boxes, flow-wrap sachets, and more. These sustainable choices not only reduce environmental impact but also allow hotels to customize packaging that reflects their unique identity while maintaining premium aesthetics.

The White Thread - Premium Hotel Slippers: Comfort Meets Style

Beyond toiletries, Frill manufactures high-quality hotel slippers with Frill detailing in a variety of premium materials:

  • Soft fleece for cozy warmth
  • Plush fur for indulgent comfort
  • Natural jute for an eco-friendly, textured option

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These slippers provide the perfect finishing touch to any in-room experience.

Elevate Your Guest Experience with Frill

Whether you're a boutique hotel, luxury resort, or chain property, Frill Hospitality delivers complete in-room solutions that impress guests and strengthen brand loyalty. Their commitment to quality, sustainability, and customization has made them a preferred partner for hospitality businesses across India and beyond.

Ready to experience the difference?

Please visit the official website: www.frillhospitality.com.  For more information, samples, or to place orders, write to info@frillhospitality.com


India Bids Farewell to Bollywood Icon Dharmendra

India Bids Farewell to Bollywood Icon Dharmendra

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 25, 2025

Veteran Bollywood actor Dharmendra passed away at his Mumbai residence on Monday, November 24, at the age of 89. His last rites were held at Pawan Hans Crematorium, where family, friends, and several Bollywood celebrities gathered to pay their final respects.

Known affectionately as Bollywood’s ‘He-Man’ and ‘Dharam Paaji,’ Dharmendra’s illustrious career spanned over six decades, leaving an indelible mark on Indian cinema. His final on-screen appearance will be in the upcoming film Ikkis, scheduled for release on December 25.

Dharmendra began his film journey with Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere in 1960 and later became a household name with iconic films like Sholay, where he shared the screen with Amitabh Bachchan. The film not only achieved commercial and critical acclaim but also redefined Indian cinema and popularized the dacoit western genre.

Beyond acting, Dharmendra explored film production and politics, serving as a Member of Parliament from Bikaner between 2004 and 2009. His passing has been widely mourned, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several other prominent figures expressing their condolences.

Dharmendra’s legacy continues to inspire generations of actors and cinema enthusiasts, celebrating a life dedicated to storytelling, charisma, and Indian cinematic history.


Spain Showcases Empowering Travel for Women at “Women Travelers to Spain – A Passport to Yourself” Event in Mumbai

Spain Showcases Empowering Travel for Women at “Women Travelers to Spain – A Passport to Yourself” Event in Mumbai

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 25, 2025

The Tourism Office of Spain (Turespaña) in Mumbai hosted a warm and inspiring evening titled “Women Travelers to Spain – A Passport to Yourself” on 21st November 2025 at IFBE, Ballard Estate. Designed as a celebration of women and the transformative nature of travel, the event brought together women professionals, creators, and travel enthusiasts to explore Spain through a personal and meaningful lens.

Guests began arriving from 7:00 pm, gathering in anticipation of an evening that aimed to go beyond itineraries and destinations. The event opened with a welcome address from Elena Orland, Director of the Tourism Office of Spain in India. She shared, “Beyond the best-known destinations, Spain is a wonderful country that truly welcomes women travellers to enjoy unique and authentic experiences that will make your travel to Spain and to yourself, memorable.” Her words set the tone for the evening, framing Spain as a place where women feel safe, inspired, and free to discover both the country and themselves.

The event featured a lively panel moderated by renowned blogger and influencer Roxanne Bamboat. The panellists included Isha Bhansali, Fashion Stylist and Consultant; Xenia Lam, Hotelier, freelance journalist and General Manager at Hyatt Centric Juhu Mumbai; and Reshma Mehta, Entrepreneur. Each shared their first impressions of Spain, describing its colour, vibrancy, and youthful energy. They spoke about how the country consistently meets and often exceeds expectations with its coastal beauty, cultural richness, and welcoming atmosphere.

A key highlight of the discussion was Spain’s safety and comfort for solo women travellers. The panelists noted that Spanish society is warm, non-judgmental, and extremely hospitable. Even without knowing Spanish, travellers can navigate the country easily thanks to friendly locals and well-organised cities. They also pointed out several cultural similarities between India and Spain, especially around family values, food, festivals, and community dining, making Indian travellers feel instantly connected.

The panel concluded around 9:00 pm, followed by a relaxed networking dinner featuring Spanish food and wine. Instead of a formal Q&A session, guests enjoyed one-on-one conversations with the panellists and continued discussing travel, culture, and personal stories in a more casual setting. The evening wrapped up by 10:30 pm, leaving guests with a renewed sense of inspiration and connection.

“Women Travelers to Spain: A Passport to Yourself” stood out for its heartfelt celebration of Spain as a destination that embraces women travellers in many meaningful ways. The evening beautifully highlighted how travel can be a bridge to discovering yourself, and how Spain continues to offer women the space to explore with confidence, curiosity, and joy.

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