PANAJI: The pandemic has been tough on many. During the pandemic many people have turned into foodpreneurs, opening small-scale, ‘at-home’ businesses offering a variety of food. These ventures are largely driven by passion. The Panaji City Carnaval has decided to put the spotlight on foodpreneurs this year in an effort by the city to encourage them and offer the foodpreneurs a platform to showcase their creations.
“The Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) has partnered with FIERCE Kitchens, India’s First Culinary Incubator based in Goa to create ‘The Beach Carnaval’ – a dedicated zone for local culinary entrepreneurs or ‘foodpreneurs’ at the newly renovated walkway along the Miramar beach. ‘The Beach Carnaval’ will feature a host of local entrepreneurs who can put up their culinary creations at the venue,” explained Agnelo Fernandes, Commissioner of the City of Panaji.
FIERCE Kitchens, the country’s first culinary incubator is a collaboration between the Atal Incubation Centre at Goa Institute of Management (AIC-GIM) and Kamaxi College of Culinary Arts (KCCA), Verna.
“The city of Panaji is a leading tourist destination and a melting pot for global cuisine. From fine dining restaurants to culinary trails which offer unique experiences in the intimate setting of residents’ homes, Panaji has much to offer. The Beach Carnaval event with the foodpreneur community at its core will add to the culinary experiences which Panjim has to offer,” said Parixit Pai Fondekar, Founder, FIERCE Kitchens.
“On behalf of the city of Panaji and with the support and expertise of FIERCE Kitchens and us at AICGIM, we are keen to nominate the city of Panaji as one of the Creative Cities in the gastronomy sector of the ‘UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN)’. The Beach Carnaval is the first step in that direction,” said Rajesh Joshi, CEO, AICGIM.
“The UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) was created to promote cooperation with and among cities that have identified creativity as a strategic factor for sustainable urban development. The 246 cities which currently make up this network work together towards a common objective: placing creativity and cultural industries at the heart of development plans at the local level and cooperating actively at the international level. Panaji is an ideal fit for this network,” added Joshi
“Moving forward with the vision to create foodpreneurs and culinary innovations that emerge from Goa, FIERCE Kitchens is delighted to partner with the CCP. The culinary incubator is focussed on creating an impact in the global spectrum with local foodpreneurs by providing chef entrepreneurs and home cooks with access to national and global markets and networks,” said Fondekar.
The Beach Carnaval at Miramar beach will offer foodpreneurs and aspiring chef entrepreneurs a platform to exhibit and promote their ideas, products, and talent to a diverse audience that visits the Panjim carnival festivities each year. The event will also portray the culture, heritage, and welcoming spirit of Goa. The event will feature foodpreneurs ranging from home cooks, women micro entrepreneurs, pastry and bakery enthusiasts and other hobbyists in the culinary ecosystem. We aim to provide a platform to showcase the local and regional cooking talent to the audiences of the carnival.
The event will also feature local bands playing regional music in Konkani and English. The event is expected to draw a large audience of tourist as well as local audience and it will be a great opportunity for foodpreneurs and enthusiasts to expand their horizons and explore additional markets. We wish to receive continued support from the Corporation of City of Panjim for the event as well as subsequent events in the future towards the cultural enrichment of Panjim City.
The city of Panaji is gearing up to celebrate Carnival between 26 February and 1st March 2022 with celebrations planned across the city.
