A forum for ministers, officials and entrepreneurs
“Culinary Creativity: The Trick to Create the Innovative Palate Experience”, was the next session. Carlo Cracco, Italian chef and restaurateur; Thierry Gardinier, director, Les 110 Taillevent; Stefano Pelle, MD, Ferrero India; Silvia Landucci, export director, Boscovivo Truffles; Sonal Holland, first Indian master of wine; and Andrea Sinigaglia, general manager, Alma participated in this session, which was moderated by Rashmi Uday Singh. They discussed the changes and trends in the F&B industry. The session highlighted key factors for overall palate satisfaction and an unforgettable culinary experience. K.J. Alphons, Minister of State for Tourism, wrapped up the session with a few words on promoting the industry.
Next up was the “Success Stories” session, which explored global business opportunities and calculated risks taken by brands to face new challenges. This took place in conversation with Francois Arpels, co-founder and managing partner, Brands & Beyond; Gabriella Cortese, director, Antik Batik; Andrea Scotti Calderini, co-founder & CEO, Freeda; Claudio Marenzi, President, Confindustria Moda (Fashion); and Raj Mahtani, director, Raj Mahtani Couture Jewels. They elaborated on how a brand reaches and maintains itself at the top of the market. After this, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, Minister for Minority Affairs, spoke about the government’s intervention in helping artisans.
There was also a session called “Evolving Habits and Demands: A Renaissance in Lifestyles”, about redefining the demands across niche-customer segments. In conversation with Fatima Karan, consulting editor, Bloomberg TV India, were Peter D’Ascoli, creative director, D’Ascoli & Company; Raseel Gujral Ansal, creative director and founder, Casa Paradox; Andrea Maspero, VP, ANIE (National Federation of Electro Technical and Electronic Companies) and Snehdeep Agarwal, chairman, Bhartiya Group. They talked about luxury in relation to the real-estate market. Vijay Goel, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, got on the podium next.
The automotive landscape provides immense scope for luxury. So the next session was, “Luxury in Motion: The lavish Brand Narration”. On the stage were Bibek Debroy, chairman, The Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister; Sergi Canovas, MD, Ducati India; Diego Graffi, MD, Piaggio India and Silvio Angori, CEO, Pininfarina, in conversation with Jamal Shaikh, national editor, Brunch and New Media Initiatives at Hindustan Times. They explored the demands and prospects of the Indian automotive market. Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, talked about popularising Indian crafts in the luxury segment.
The last session of the day was “Synopsis of The Luxury Symposium 2018”. Amitabh Kant, CEO, NITI Aayog, in conversation with Rajiv Makhni, talked about the future of startups in the Indian luxury sector.