CHEFEX India Recognition 2026 Honours F&B & Hospitality Leaders; Padma Shri Rajni Bector Gets Lifetime Achievement Award

PHDCCI Punjab Chapter hosts grand ceremony at Hotel Park Plaza, Zirakpur; Industry icons Chef Harpal Singh Sokhi, Zorawar Kalra join Fireside Chat

ZIRAKPUR / CHANDIGARH-The Punjab State Chapter of PHDCCI organised the *CHEFEX India Recognition 2026* on September 19, 2026, at Hotel Park Plaza, Zirakpur, celebrating distinguished professionals and industry leaders for their outstanding contributions to the Food & Beverage (F&B), culinary and hospitality sectors.

The recognitions were presented by Ayurveda Guru Acharya Manish, Sh. Karan Gilhotra, Chair, Punjab State Chapter, PHDCCI; and Dr Ranjeet Mehta, CEO & SG, PHDCCI, along with other distinguished dignitaries present on the occasion.

A special highlight of the evening was the presentation of the CHEFEX India Lifetime Achievement Recognition to Padma Shri Mrs. Rajni Bector, Founder, Cremica, in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the Indian food industry and her pioneering entrepreneurial journey.

A key highlight of the evening was the Fireside Chat – “The Secret Sauce: Where Culinary Passion Meets Business, Branding & Innovation”, featuring Ms. Himani Arora, Chair, Regional Fashion Tex Tech Forum, PHDCCI, in conversation with Chef Harpal Singh Sokhi, Celebrity Chef, Restaurateur & Culinary Entrepreneur, and Mr Zorawar Kalra, Vice President, NRAI. The conversation explored food entrepreneurship, innovation, branding, restaurants and the future of Indian cuisine.

The recognition ceremony brought together leading chefs, restaurateurs, hospitality professionals, entrepreneurs and industry stakeholders, providing a platform to acknowledge excellence, innovation and entrepreneurship towards the growth of India’s F&B and hospitality ecosystem.