NRAI to Host Largest-Ever 5th Food Delivery Summit in Ahmedabad on August 20

More than 5,000 restaurant owners, 70+ industry leaders and 1,500+ brands to discuss AI, automation and digital transformation in India's food delivery ecosystem

The National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) will host the 5th NRAI Food Delivery Summit on 20 August 2026 at The Forum – Hotel & Convention, Ahmedabad. Presented by Petpooja and supported by Coca-Cola, Janshakti, ITC Master Chef and Prasuma, the summit is expected to bring together over 5,000 restaurant owners, more than 70 industry leaders, 1,500+ brands and delegates from over 30 cities across India.

The event will bring together restaurateurs, food delivery platforms, technology providers, cloud kitchen operators, policymakers, investors and entrepreneurs to discuss trends, innovations and opportunities influencing India's restaurant and food delivery ecosystem.

Theme Focuses on AI, Automation and Technology

The 2026 edition will be organised under the theme "Automate to Dominate: Tech Powers Growth," with discussions centred on the role of artificial intelligence (AI), automation and digital technologies in restaurant operations and food delivery.

According to the organisers, India's food services market is projected to expand from nearly USD 90 billion in 2025 to USD 150 billion by 2030. As restaurants increasingly adopt technology to improve customer experience, operational efficiency and sustainable growth, the summit aims to facilitate discussions on business models, innovation and technology.

Ahmedabad has been selected as the host city owing to its entrepreneurial ecosystem and expanding organised restaurant sector.

Summit Evolution Since 2022

The NRAI Food Delivery Summit has evolved over its previous four editions alongside changes in India's restaurant and food delivery landscape.

Mumbai (2022): Focused on cloud kitchens during the post-pandemic recovery.
Pune (2023): Examined the evolving delivery economy and food aggregators.
Bengaluru (2024): Highlighted technology, automation and sustainability.
New Delhi (2025): Focused on innovation, collaboration and the future of food delivery.

Building on these editions, the Ahmedabad 2026 summit will focus on how AI, automation and digital technologies are influencing the next phase of growth for India's restaurant and food delivery ecosystem.

Industry Leaders Share Their Views

Sagar Daryani, President, National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) and CEO & Co-founder, Wow! Momo Foods, said,

"India's food delivery ecosystem has evolved significantly over the past few years, creating new opportunities for restaurants while also introducing new operational and business complexities. As the industry enters its next phase of growth, it is essential for restaurant operators, technology partners and ecosystem stakeholders to come together, exchange perspectives and collectively shape solutions that drive sustainable growth. The fifth edition of the NRAI Food Delivery Summit builds on the momentum of previous editions by creating a platform to discuss how AI, automation and technology can enable restaurants to become more efficient, resilient and future-ready."

Chef Aanal Kotak, Chapter Head, NRAI and Founder, The Secret Kitchen (India & Global), said,

"Gujarat has always had a strong entrepreneurial culture, and over the years Ahmedabad has evolved into one of the country's most vibrant food destinations, with a restaurant ecosystem that continues to innovate and cater to changing consumer preferences. Hosting the fifth edition of the summit here reflects the city's growing importance within India's food and hospitality landscape. We look forward to welcoming industry leaders from across the country for meaningful discussions that will help shape the future of restaurants and food delivery in India."

Speakers and Discussion Topics

The summit will feature keynote sessions, panel discussions, fireside conversations and networking sessions involving industry leaders, including:

Mr. Sagar Daryani, President, NRAI and CEO & Co-Founder, Wow! Momo Foods
Mr. Pranav Rungta, Vice President, NRAI and Founder & Director, Churchgate Hospitality Pvt. Ltd.
Ms. Aanal Kotak, Chapter Head, NRAI Ahmedabad and Founder, The Secret Kitchen (India & Global)
Mr. Sameer Khetarpal, Managing Director & CEO, Jubilant FoodWorks Ltd.
Mr. Ankit Chona, Managing Director & Founder, Hocco Ice Creams
Mr. Ankush Grover, Global CEO, Rebel Foods
Mr. Zorawar Kalra, Vice President, NRAI and Restaurateur
Mr. Gurpreet Singh Tikku, Founder, Mister Tikku
Mr. Gaurav Kanwar, Founder & CEO, Harajuku Tokyo Café

The sessions will cover topics including AI-driven transformation, changing consumer behaviour, operational excellence, entrepreneurship, emerging business models and innovations shaping the future of India's restaurant and food delivery sector.