Culinary Showcase Begins
The Gujarat Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI) is set to host an exciting three-day event, 'The Grazer Fest,' commencing on February 27. This gastronomic
gathering is a collaborative effort between GCCI and Idea Bag Events & Entertainment LLP, recognizing Ahmedabad's strong culinary identity as a prime location for such an event. The organizers highlighted the city's deep-rooted food culture, noting areas with food traditions spanning over five decades, and emphasized the significant potential for expansion within the local food industry. This festival aims to cater to the weekend dining aspirations of residents while simultaneously providing a fertile ground for brands to connect, expand their reach, and foster growth. GCCI's involvement ensures that participating brands will have a dedicated platform to explore avenues for business development and increased visibility within the thriving food sector.
Diverse Brand Participation
The inaugural edition of The Grazer Fest is slated to feature an impressive lineup of 65 to 70 brands, spanning a wide spectrum of the food and beverage industry. Attendees can anticipate encountering a variety of establishments, including restaurants, charming cafés, retail and gourmet food purveyors, essential packaging and supply-chain service providers, innovative subscription-based ventures, and cutting-edge food-tech companies. To enhance the visitor experience and provide easy navigation, the festival grounds will be thoughtfully segmented into dedicated zones. These include a specialized Retail & Gourmet Market for unique food finds, a delightful Dessert Garden for sweet indulgence, a refreshing Beverage Bay for all sorts of drinks, a vibrant Street & Snacks Lane for quick bites, and a dedicated ODC Pavilion, likely for business-to-business interactions or specific industry showcases. This diverse representation ensures a comprehensive overview of the current food landscape.
Insights and Future Trends
Anticipating a substantial turnout of up to 20,000 visitors over the three days, The Grazer Fest is more than just a culinary exhibition; it's also a hub for industry discourse. The festival program includes insightful panel discussions scheduled throughout its duration, offering attendees valuable perspectives on the food sector. One particularly forward-looking session, titled 'From Ahmedabad’s Plates to Global Palates: How Ahmedabad is going to eat, serve and host by 2030,' will delve into the future trajectory of the city's food scene, especially in light of its upcoming hosting duties for the Commonwealth Games in the same year. These discussions are specifically curated for investors, food consultants, and hoteliers, aiming to equip them with knowledge on growth strategies, franchise expansion, and the evolving food trends expected by 2030.
Safety and Operations
Ensuring a safe and well-managed environment for all participants and attendees, GCCI president Sandeep Engineer emphasized the strong focus on safety protocols at The Grazer Fest. Limited entertainment programming is planned to maintain a comfortable atmosphere. A key operational guideline strictly enforced will be the exclusive use of electric cooking equipment, prohibiting any use of gas. This measure underscores the commitment to safety and environmental consciousness during the event. The festival is scheduled to take place daily from 4 pm to 11 pm at Anokhi Greens, located on Sindhu Bhavan Road, running from February 27 through March 1.
