“Empathy and responsibility are at the heart of HPMF. This decision reflects our collective commitment to stand with affected communities while ensuring a stronger, more inclusive, and impactful convention,” said Nitin Shankar Nagrale, Founder & General Secretary, HPMF.

The decision follows extensive consultations with sponsors, partners, and stakeholders in view of the unprecedented floods that have affected Punjab and other parts of our country, disrupting lives, livelihoods, and business operations across India.

“As an industry body built on solidarity and care, we felt it essential to adapt thoughtfully to the circumstances impacting our fraternity,” added Dr. Nagrale. “Rescheduling the convention will allow us to ensure stronger sponsorship participation, wider delegate engagement, and provide an opportunity to integrate meaningful support initiatives for the affected regions.”

The extended timeline will enable HPMF and its partners to:

1. Rebuild a robust and sustainable sponsorship base.
2. Facilitate broader delegate participation from across India and overseas.
3. Align the event with initiatives supporting recovery efforts in flood-affected areas, especially Punjab.

In addition, HPMF has undertaken an initiative to support Punjab and other affected regions through several achievable measures, aimed at contributing to community recovery and sustainable rebuilding efforts in collaboration with local partners and stakeholders.

Basil Massey, Convenor, HPMF Convention, shared, “Our priority at this moment is compassion and collective strength. The additional time gives us an opportunity to plan more effectively, include more voices, and ensure that the convention reflects the true spirit of unity and progress that defines HPMF.”

Mohan Deshpande, Chairman, HPMF, stated, “HPMF has always stood for resilience and collaboration. By rescheduling, we reaffirm our commitment to our members, sponsors, and partners while extending our solidarity to those impacted by the floods. The 2026 convention will be a celebration of recovery, renewal, and fraternity.”

Dr. Nagrale emphasized, “The spirit of our fraternity remains unshaken. This thoughtful pause will help us return with renewed purpose, deeper connections, and greater impact when we convene in January 2026.”

HPMF extends heartfelt gratitude to its sponsors, members, and well-wishers for their continued trust and partnership, and looks forward to welcoming everyone to a stronger, more meaningful convention in Amritsar this January 2026.

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The MoU was officially signed by Ravin Kumar Jhaala, Founding Director, HFTP India, and Sunil Kuttan, Project Lead – Future Vision and Legacy, HPMF, in the presence of fellow members of the respective organizations.

Speaking on the occasion, Ravin Kumar Jhaala stated, “This collaboration is a step towards a smarter, more connected hospitality ecosystem. With HPMF’s deep procurement expertise and HFTP’s leadership in technology and finance, we are poised to create impactful industry change.”

Sunil Kuttan emphasized that technology is key to enhancing efficiency in supply chain / procurement function. With the growing presence of AI, it is vital for procurement professionals to stay updated on the latest technological developments and incorporate them into their processes for optimization.

He added, “This MoU not only aligns with HPMF’s vision of creating a strong legacy centered around knowledge sharing, innovation, and forward-thinking, but also provides a platform for the procurement community to engage with technology experts.”

Together with HFTP, we aim to empower professionals and drive meaningful progress across our domains.”

Key Objectives of the MoU:

1. Joint organization of training programs, webinars, and workshops.
2. Sharing of research, whitepapers, and case studies.
3. Advocating for technology integration in procurement and financial workflows.
4. Promoting sustainable and ethical sourcing practices.
5. Encouraging cross-functional learning and development opportunities.

This partnership is set to benefit thousands of professionals in the hospitality sector and promote excellence through integrated, future-ready initiatives.

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The MOU was officially signed today, solidifying a commitment to mutual growth, knowledge sharing, and industry development. The partnership will focus on creating specialized training programs, fostering direct engagement with wine producers, and streamlining the procurement process for quality wines within the hospitality sector.

Speaking on the occasion, Nitin Nagrale, Founder and General Secretary of HPMF, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration: “This partnership with WineGAI is a game-changer for hospitality procurement professionals. By bridging the gap between wine producers and Indian hospitality buyers, we aim to elevate industry standards, improve product accessibility, and drive excellence in procurement practices.”

Ashwin Rodrigues, Secretary, Wine Growers Association of India (WineGAI), emphasized the significance of this association:
“India’s wine industry is evolving, and the demand for quality wines in the hospitality sector is growing. Through this partnership with HPMF, we look forward to empowering procurement professionals with knowledge, expertise, and access to a diverse range of Indian and global wines.”

Sunil Kuttan, Project Lead HPMF Future Vision and Legacy for this initiative, highlighted the operational impact of the collaboration: “This MOU is a crucial step toward streamlining the procurement of wines for the hospitality industry. Our goal is to simplify access to high quality products, provide in depth training, and create a seamless bridge between wine producers and hospitality buyers.”

The partnership will facilitate exclusive masterclasses, procurement training programs, networking events, and market intelligence reports, ensuring that HPMF members stay ahead in the evolving landscape of beverage procurement.

The MOU signing event was attended by key leaders from both organizations, industry stakeholders, and hospitality professionals, marking the beginning of a dynamic and fruitful collaboration.

The post HPMF signs landmark MOU with WineGAI (Wine Growers Association of India) to elevate hospitality procurement in the beverage industry appeared first on Business of Food.

Tea and coffee are an integral part of Indian culture and daily life, yet there remains limited awareness about their sourcing, processing, and quality. This strategic partnership aligns with the Minister’s vision of “Make in India,” “Vocal for Local,” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat,” aiming to promote Indian tea and coffee on a global scale while empowering local farmers and producers.

The MoU will facilitate extensive training programs, knowledge-sharing initiatives, and industry collaborations, ensuring that hospitality procurement professionals gain a deeper understanding of these essential commodities.

Speaking on the occasion, Nitin Shankar Nagrale, Founder & General Secretary of HPMF, stated, “This collaboration is more than just an understanding to support each other, it is about strengthening India’s tea and coffee industry by educating and empowering hospitality procurement professionals. Through structured training programs, we will ensure that purchase managers are well equipped to source high quality, locally produced tea and coffee, aligning with the national vision of promoting Indian products globally.”

Pramod Wakode, Founder & President of TCA, added, “Tea and coffee are not just beverages; they are a symbol of India’s rich heritage. This MoU will open doors for massive information flow, helping purchase managers understand the nuances of quality, sourcing, and sustainability. More importantly, it will create new business opportunities for farmers, tea and coffee estates, and small scale producers, strengthening India’s presence in the global tea and coffee market.”

Sunil Kuttan, Project Head – HPMF Future Vision and Legacy, emphasized the long term impact of this partnership, stating, “The hospitality industry must embrace a deeper understanding of the products it serves daily. This MoU will not only elevate procurement knowledge but also support India’s economic growth by fostering innovation, sustainability, and ethical sourcing within the tea and coffee sector.”

Through this agreement, HPMF and TCA will organize specialized training sessions, industry seminars, and networking events, creating a platform for hospitality procurement professionals to engage with tea and coffee growers, estates, and industry experts. This partnership will contribute significantly to India’s growing reputation as a global leader in tea and coffee production while supporting government initiatives to boost local industries.

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Following the successful MOU between HPMF and FIFI, this new alliance further strengthens HPMF’s commitment to advancing procurement best practices, elevating industry standards, and creating growth opportunities for professionals across the hospitality and culinary sectors. The partnership will focus on sustainable procurement, knowledge-sharing, and training programs to enhance industry capabilities.

“This collaboration is a significant milestone in our Future Vision and Legacy, reinforcing our dedication to shaping the future of the hospitality sector through strategic partnerships and impactful initiatives,” said Nitin Nagrale, Founder & General Secretary of HPMF.

HPMF extends its gratitude to Chef Davinder Kumar, Chef Vivek Saggar, and the ICF core team for their invaluable support in bringing this partnership to fruition.

This MOU is expected to pave the way for enhanced cooperation, bridging the gap between procurement professionals and culinary experts to create a more efficient, innovative, and sustainable hospitality ecosystem in India.

The post HPMF and ICF sign historic MOU at AAHAR 2025 appeared first on Business of Food.

The Forum of Indian Food Importers (FIFI) has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Culinary Forum (ICF) and the Hospitality Purchasing Managers’ Forum (HPMF) to drive innovation and excellence in India’s agriculture, food, and beverage sector.

Rakesh Banga, Founder & Director of FIFI, emphasized the importance of collaboration in the evolving HoReCa industry, highlighting the growing demand for premium global ingredients. Uday Chugh reinforced this vision, stating that FIFI members play a key role in bridging high-quality suppliers with the hospitality sector.

This strategic alliance comes as FIFI prepares for its largest International Pavilion at AAHAR 2025, set to take place in Bharat Mandapam’s Hall 1. The event will feature 200+ exhibitors, 10 country pavilions, the first-ever Madhu Mandapam & Sommelier Theatre, a world-class culinary showcase, and exclusive daily lucky draws.

Ambassador Juan Angulo of Chile underscored FIFI’s role in strengthening global F&B trade and Chile-India ties, noting the rising demand for international flavors in India. Chef Vivek Saggar, General Secretary of ICF, echoed this sentiment, stating that the partnership will elevate culinary standards, introduce global ingredients, and inspire creativity in India’s food industry.

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The signing ceremony was held at the FIFI Office in Delhi, witnessed by esteemed industry leaders and stakeholders.

This strategic alliance is set to foster closer collaboration between the hospitality procurement and food import sectors, particularly during AAHAR and other key trade events. The partnership will pave the way for greater synergy, knowledge exchange, and business growth opportunities for industry professionals.

Speaking on the occasion, Nitin Nagrale, Founder & General Secretary of HPMF stated, “This MOU signifies a new era of collaboration, enabling HPMF and FIFI to work together in creating innovative business opportunities and streamlining procurement processes. We are confident that this partnership will drive industry excellence and benefit our members immensely.”

The agreement aligns with HPMF’s commitment to advancing procurement excellence and strengthening international trade partnerships. By joining forces with FIFI, both organizations aim to create a platform for seamless interaction between hospitality procurement professionals and global food suppliers, ensuring access to high-quality products and fostering industry growth.

This MOU marks the beginning of a promising collaboration that will drive long-term benefits for the hospitality industry. HPMF and FIFI look forward to working together in shaping a dynamic and progressive future for procurement and food import businesses.

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