The third edition of the India International Hospitality Expo 2020 (IHE 2020), and the first and biggest hospitality virtual sourcing show, opened on December 2. India Expo Mart Limited (IEML) received messages from hospitality industry leaders like Nirmal Khandelwal, Chairman , FCML Distributors, Chef Manjit Gill, President, Indian Federation of Culinary Associations, and Independent F&B Adviser, Sanjay Khullar, Vice Chairman, Seasons Group, Amrajit Ahuja, Founder and President, Purchasing Professionals Forum India (PPFI), Chef Davendra Kumar, President, Indian Culinary Forum Vice President – Food Production, Le Meridien New Delhi and Anil Malhotra, President, HOTERMA, CEO HSMC Asia for virtual inaugural ceremony.
Rakesh Kumar, Chairman IEML and DG EPCH in his inaugural address emphasised on benefits of virtual platform by getting a bigger and bolder reach in terms of audience among the global hospitality players. The platform will host live masterclasses , B2B meetings, resourcing of products and services along with knowledge sessions are planned for 4 days of the expo.
With over 200+ exhibitors from various sectors showcasing Products, Equipment, Accessories, Tableware, Glassware & Machineries food, bakery, services etc other allied services were present and exhibiting at the platform. India Expo Mart Limited has designed the online platform specifically keeping in mind the social distancing norms and for the convenience of business visitors and allowing easy access from home, office or phone.
First day witnessed 2 power packed sessions with Industry Leaders including Rajiv Kaul, Adviser, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, Dilip Puri, Founder and CEO, Indian School of Hospitality, Sonica Malhotra, Joint Managing Director, MBD Group, Anil Chadha, Chief Operating Officer, ITC Hotels discussing ideas to Thinking Out of the Box to Contend with Covid-19. Another important session held today was Chef’s Forum with Celebrity Chef’s including Davinder Kumar, Vice President, F&B Production, Le Meridien New Delhi; President, Indian Culinary Forum, Vineet Bhatia, Michelin-Starred Global Chef and Restaurateur, Manish Mehrotra, Corporate Chef, Indian Accent Restaurants, Manisha Bhasin, Corporate Chef, ITC Hotels; Vice Chairperson, Education Committee, WACS, Sushil Dewan, Regional Director, Food Production, The Park Kolkata and Flurys discussing aspects and impact, effects and opportunities offered in pandemic on hotels and restaurants. Chefs agreed to reworked on the menus and highlighted that customer satisfaction in terms of hygiene and safety to be considered as utmost importance.
The platform also witness culinary masterclass in association with ICF and a wine training session by mixologist Ankur Chawla and giving the audience some interesting facts and tricks to taste and enjoy wines.
