Over 5,000 restaurant owners, 70+ industry leaders and 1,500+ brands to discuss how AI, automation and technology are transforming India’s restaurant and food delivery ecosystem
Ahmedabad : The National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI), the voice of India’s restaurant industry, has announced the fifth edition of the NRAI Food Delivery Summit, scheduled to be held on August 20, 2026, at The Forum – Hotel & Convention, Ahmedabad. Presented by Petpooja and supported by Coca-Cola, Janshakti, ITC Master Chef and Prasuma, the summit will be the largest edition in its history.
The event is expected to bring together more than 5,000 restaurant owners, over 70 industry leaders, 1,500+ brands, and delegates from over 30 cities, making it one of India’s biggest gatherings for the restaurant and food delivery sector. The summit will serve as a platform for restaurateurs, food delivery platforms, cloud kitchen operators, technology providers, policymakers, investors and entrepreneurs to discuss the latest trends, innovations and business opportunities shaping the future of India’s food services industry.
Theme Focuses on AI and Automation
This year’s summit will revolve around the theme “Automate to Dominate: Tech Powers Growth,” highlighting how artificial intelligence (AI), automation and digital technologies are transforming restaurant operations, customer experience and food delivery services.
With India’s food services market projected to expand from nearly USD 90 billion in 2025 to USD 150 billion by 2030, restaurants are increasingly adopting technology to improve operational efficiency, streamline delivery processes and drive sustainable growth. Ahmedabad, known for its thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem and rapidly growing organised restaurant sector, has been selected as the host city, reflecting its emergence as one of India’s leading food and hospitality destinations.
Building on Four Successful Editions
The NRAI Food Delivery Summit has steadily evolved alongside India’s changing food delivery landscape. The inaugural edition in Mumbai (2022) focused on cloud kitchens during the post-pandemic recovery phase, followed by Pune (2023), which explored the evolving food delivery economy and aggregator platforms. The Bengaluru (2024) edition highlighted technology, automation and sustainability, while New Delhi (2025) centred on innovation, collaboration and the future of food delivery.
The fifth edition in Ahmedabad will build on this momentum by examining how AI-driven technologies are shaping the next phase of growth for India’s restaurant industry.
Industry Leaders to Share Insights
Commenting on the summit, 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.”
He added that the fifth edition of the summit aims to help restaurants become more efficient, resilient and future-ready through AI, automation and technology.
Chef Aanal Kotak, Chapter Head, NRAI Ahmedabad and Founder, The Secret Kitchen (India & Global), said Ahmedabad has emerged as one of India’s most vibrant food destinations due to its entrepreneurial spirit and evolving restaurant ecosystem. She noted that hosting the summit in Gujarat reflects the city’s growing significance in India’s hospitality landscape and will provide an important platform for industry stakeholders to discuss the future of restaurants and food delivery.
Key Speakers
The summit will feature keynote sessions, panel discussions, fireside chats and networking opportunities with leading industry experts, including:
- Sagar Daryani, President, NRAI & CEO & Co-founder, Wow! Momo Foods
- Pranav Rungta, Vice President, NRAI & Founder & Director, Churchgate Hospitality Pvt. Ltd.
- Chef Aanal Kotak, Chapter Head, NRAI Ahmedabad & Founder, The Secret Kitchen
- Sameer Khetarpal, Managing Director & CEO, Jubilant FoodWorks Ltd.
- Ankit Chona, Managing Director & Founder, Hocco Ice Creams
- Ankush Grover, Global CEO, Rebel Foods
- Zorawar Kalra, Vice President, NRAI & Restaurateur
- Gurpreet Singh Tikku, Founder, Mister Tikku
- Gaurav Kanwar, Founder & CEO, Harajuku Tokyo Café
The discussions will cover AI-powered restaurant operations, changing consumer behaviour, operational excellence, entrepreneurship, emerging business models and the innovations driving the future of India’s restaurant and food delivery ecosystem.