NRAI Food Delivery Summit 2026 Set for Biggest Ahmedabad Event
Ahmedabad to Host NRAI’s Largest Food Delivery Summit as Restaurant Industry Turns to AI and Automation
Ahmedabad will host the fifth National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) Food Delivery Summit on 20 August 2026, marking the biggest edition of the event since it began in 2022. More than 5,000 restaurant owners, over 70 industry leaders and representatives from more than 1,500 brands are expected to attend at The Forum Hotel and Convention. Delegates from over 30 Indian cities will take part in discussions on how artificial intelligence, automation and digital tools are changing the country’s restaurant and food delivery sector.
The event is presented by Petpooja and supported by Coca-Cola, Janshakti, ITC Master Chef and Prasuma. It will bring together restaurant owners, food delivery companies, cloud kitchen operators, technology firms, investors, entrepreneurs and policymakers to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.
The summit comes at a time when India’s food service business continues to expand. Industry estimates indicate that the market, valued at nearly USD 90 billion in 2025, could reach around USD 150 billion by 2030. Rising incomes, rapid urban growth, wider smartphone use and changing eating habits have encouraged more people to order meals online. Food delivery has become a regular part of daily life in many Indian cities, while restaurants are investing in technology to improve speed, reduce costs and better manage customer demand.
This year’s theme, “Automate to Dominate: Tech Powers Growth”, reflects the growing role of technology in restaurant operations. Businesses are increasingly using artificial intelligence for demand forecasting, menu planning, customer engagement, inventory management and delivery logistics. Digital payment systems, automated kitchen equipment and data analysis tools are also helping restaurants improve efficiency while responding to changing customer expectations.
Ahmedabad has been selected as the venue because of its expanding hospitality sector and strong business environment. Gujarat has seen steady growth in organised food businesses over the past decade, supported by rising consumer spending, increasing tourism and a large number of entrepreneurs entering the restaurant industry. The city has become home to national restaurant chains as well as independent food businesses, making it an important market for discussions on future industry trends.
The NRAI, which represents thousands of restaurants across India, has organised the summit in different cities since its launch. The first edition was held in Mumbai in 2022, when the restaurant industry was recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic and cloud kitchens had become an important business model. The second edition in Pune during 2023 focused on the changing food delivery economy and the role of online aggregators. Bengaluru hosted the 2024 event, where technology, automation and environmental sustainability were major topics. New Delhi welcomed the fourth edition in 2025, with discussions centred on innovation, collaboration and the future of food delivery.
Speaking ahead of the Ahmedabad 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, restaurant operators, technology partners and ecosystem stakeholders need 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.”
Restaurant operators across India have faced growing pressure in recent years from higher ingredient prices, increasing labour costs and changing customer expectations. Many businesses are looking for practical ways to improve productivity without affecting food quality or customer service. Industry experts believe technology can help restaurants reduce waste, improve order accuracy and make better use of available staff.
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.”
The programme includes keynote speeches, panel discussions, fireside conversations and networking sessions. Speakers include Pranav Rungta, Vice President of NRAI and Founder and Director of Churchgate Hospitality Pvt. Ltd.; Sameer Khetarpal, Managing Director and CEO of Jubilant FoodWorks Ltd.; Ankit Chona, Managing Director and Founder of Hocco Ice Creams; Ankush Grover, Global CEO of Rebel Foods; Zorawar Kalra, Vice President of NRAI and restaurateur; Gurpreet Singh Tikku, Founder of Mister Tikku; and Gaurav Kanwar, Founder and CEO of Harajuku Tokyo Café.
The discussions are expected to cover customer behaviour, artificial intelligence, restaurant operations, entrepreneurship and new business models. Industry participants will also examine how technology companies and restaurant operators can work together to improve delivery systems and customer experiences.
India’s online food delivery sector has grown rapidly over the past decade with the expansion of digital payment systems, app-based ordering and organised restaurant chains. The sector now supports a large network of delivery workers, technology providers, packaging companies and cloud kitchen businesses. As competition increases, restaurants are placing greater importance on technology that can improve efficiency while meeting customer expectations for faster delivery and consistent service.
For Ahmedabad, hosting the summit places the city among the important meeting points for India’s food and hospitality industry. For restaurant owners, technology companies and policymakers, the event provides an opportunity to exchange ideas and discuss how India’s restaurant sector can respond to changing consumer habits while preparing for the next stage of growth. The conversations are expected to influence future business strategies as restaurants continue adapting to a market where digital technology plays an increasingly important role.
