DoubleTree by Hilton Agra, in collaboration with Veda Institute of Hotel and Training, hosted a spectacular celebration of culinary excellence and innovation at the ‘Masters in F&B’ event.
The full-day extravaganza commenced with a captivating culinary workshop featuring 13 young budding chefs, followed by an electrifying display of mixology prowess by 18 skilled bartenders. The chefs dazzled the audience with their ingenuity, presenting an array of innovative dishes, while the bartenders wowed with their meticulously crafted cocktails.
The distinguished guest of honor, Bibhor Srivastava, Managing Director of ITP Media India Pvt Ltd, graced the occasion with his presence. Srivastava, alongside esteemed panelists, lent their expertise to judging both the culinary and bar competitions. The culinary competition crowned Joshna and Praveen from Jaypee Palace Hotel as winners, while Syed Mehdi of ITC Mughal emerged triumphant in the bar wars.
The event’s second half witnessed an engaging discourse on the evolution of Food and Beverage experiences, as luminaries from the hospitality industry converged for a thought-provoking panel discussion. Moderated by Vikas Singh, Corporate PR and Placements at Veda Institute of Hotel and Training, the panel included Shyam Kumar, General Manager of DoubleTree by Hilton Agra; Dhananjay Kumar, General Manager of Trident Agra; Rajiv Saxena, President of Tourism Guild of Agra; and Rakesh Barot, General Manager of Fairfield by Marriott Agra.
The attrition rate in the hospitality industry emerged as a concern during the discussion. Panelists acknowledged the challenges posed by high turnover rates and shared insights into strategies that their respective establishments have employed to mitigate this issue. The importance of cultivating a positive work culture, providing growth opportunities, and recognizing employee contributions were highlighted as effective measures in employee retention. Another significant theme explored was the perception of hotel management as a serious and valuable profession. The panelists emphasized the need for greater awareness about the diverse and rewarding career paths within the industry. They underscored the vital role that educational institutions, such as Veda Institute, play in nurturing and promoting the significance of hotel management as a professional choice.
Bibhor Srivastava, Managing Director of ITP Media India Pvt Ltd, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Agra is more than a destination; it’s an embodiment of history, culture, and architectural brilliance. I am thrilled to witness the remarkable talents of Agra’s youth. The diverse F&B offerings in the city reflect the commitment of our growing hotel brands here. Masters in F&B is not just an event; it’s a catalyst for raising the bar in hospitality and F&B standards. Kudos to DoubleTree by Hilton Agra and its dynamic General Manager Shyam Kumar for this remarkable platform.”
Shyam Kumar, General Manager of DoubleTree by Hilton Agra, spoke about the event’s significance, saying, “Agra is a city steeped in tradition, architecture, and talent. Our aim with this event was to unite the food and beverage industry in Agra. DoubleTree by Hilton Agra is dedicated to fostering innovation and showcasing the abundant talent in the city. We’re excited to announce the upcoming season 2 of Women in Taste as well which is yet another platform to bring out the talents our city have. Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to Bibhor Srivastava for his valuable presence and to all our sponsors, partners, and participants who made this grand event possible.”
The event was also supported by Diageo India, Diversey, Johnnie Walker, Coco cola, Monin, Del monte & Lavazza.
The ‘Masters in F&B’ event marks a momentous step forward in elevating Agra’s culinary landscape and fostering a community of excellence within the hospitality industry.
