Vijay Dairy CEO Yashpal Patel was Invited as a panellist at 7th HRAWI Conclave & Awards

Vijay Dairy CEO Yashpal Patel was Invited as a panellist at 7th HRAWI Conclave & Awards

Surat, Gujarat – May 2026

Amid rising concerns around fake paneer and food adulteration, Yashpal Patel, CEO of Vijay Dairy, was invited as a key panellist at the prestigious 7th HRAWI Conclave & Awards organised by the Hotel and Restaurant Association (Western India) and SHARA.

The conclave brought together leading hoteliers, restaurant owners, chefs, and hospitality professionals from Mumbai, Surat, and across Western India to discuss food safety, hospitality standards, and operational excellence.

During the panel discussion, Yashpal Patel shared practical insights on detecting fake paneer, supplier accountability, food safety compliance, legal protections for restaurants, and quality assurance practices in the dairy supply chain.

“Restaurant and hotel owners should always purchase paneer from branded dairies and avoid unverified local suppliers,” said Yashpal Patel.

He also emphasised the importance of proper billing and documentation.

“Buyers should insist on proper tax invoices clearly mentioning whether the product is paneer made from milk or analogue (fake paneer). Transparent documentation protects hospitality businesses during inspections and legal procedures.”

Speaking of quality standards, he advised businesses to regularly request laboratory test reports from government-approved or NABL-accredited labs.

“Suppliers should provide quality reports at least once every 15 days or monthly. This helps maintain consistent standards and keeps the supply chain accountable,” he added.

The discussion also covered legal classifications of paneer based on fat content and the growing need for awareness of authentic dairy sourcing in the hospitality industry.

The conclave featured expert sessions on food adulteration, fire safety, and smart kitchen solutions. More than 40 awards were presented across categories, including Best Hotel, Best Resort, Best Café, and Best Chef.

Prominent dignitaries, including Nikhil Madrasi (President, SGCCI) and Sumit Kumar, attended the event. The initiative was led by HRAWI Executive Committee members Jimmy Shah, Nirav Gandhi, Sanat Raliya, and Arun Shetty.

The conclave concluded with a strong message on food safety, transparency, and responsible sourcing for the future of the hospitality industry.

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