IRC 2025 charts India’s $66 billion F&B future

The 14th Indian Restaurant Congress & Awards (IRC), co-located with the Coffee & Tea Asia Summit, concluded on August 5-6 at Bharat Mandapam, Delhi. The event spotlighted the rapid transformation of India’s USD 66 billion F&B industry, projected to nearly double by 2030.

Themed “A Global Outlook”, the event explored how Indian brands are expanding overseas and global chains are deepening their India footprint. Organised by Restaurant India & Franchise India, it drew chefs, restaurateurs, tech innovators, policymakers, and beverage leaders, with support from partners including Cremica, Indian Oil Corporation Ltd., Trufrost & Butler, and Happilo.

Industry leaders stressed key trends shaping the sector — AI-driven plating, hyperlocal menu design, inclusivity in hiring, rapid QSR delivery, and brand authenticity. Highlights included insights from Anil Chadha (ITC Hotels), M. Mahadevan (Advantage Foods), Kallol Banerjee (Rebel Foods), Anjan Chatterjee (Speciality Restaurants), Akshay Bector (Cremica), and Chef Vicky Ratnani (Speak Burgers).

The summit also marked the launch of Restaurant India magazine, featuring Anjan Chatterjee, Kallol Banerjee, and Vicky Ratnani on its cover.

Culminating in the 14th Indian Restaurant Awards on August 5, the gala honoured over 80 winners across categories such as Restaurant of the Year, Best QSR Concept, and Coffee Chain of the Year, from over 500 nominations, with 700 industry guests in attendance.