Nesco, a company that owns and operates the Bombay Exhibition Centre (BEC) complex, has recognized the need for quality food within the campus for both exhibitors and visitors. Seven years ago, the company invested in a state-of-the-art professional kitchen in the campus, which is considered to be one of the largest non-flight kitchens in the city, with a capacity to churn out 50,000 meals a day.
To ensure the investment in the kitchen was well-utilized, Nesco incorporated a 20,000 square-foot banqueting facility into the complex, creating new opportunities for corporate and social events.
Bhushan Jalgaonkar, the Vice-President of Nesco Foods, said, “Between October 2022 and February 2023 alone, nearly 50 weddings were held at the complex. The luxurious banquet facility spans 20,000 square-feet and is as opulent as any 5-star venue. Additionally, there is 20,000 square-feet of outdoor space available for events, providing ample options for guests to enjoy.”
To transform the complex into a premier food hub, the company has introduced three branded restaurants on the campus, featuring renowned high-street brands. The inclusion of an IT park within the complex has contributed to the success of the food retail business, offering over 20,000 employees working in the park as well as visitors a wide range of dining options.
Jalgaonkar, said “The response has been overwhelming, these additions have helped establish the BEC complex as a destination not only for exhibitions but also for high-quality food and dining experiences”.
Despite the initial challenges faced in the first two years, Jalgaonkar acknowledges that the team of skilled chefs and support staff have gained valuable experience and expertise to cater to events of any scale and specifications.
“We’ve served 17 different menus to 6,500 guests in just 1.5 hours. It’s this kind of capability that sets us apart from the competition”, said Jalgaonkar.
He added, “Our backend and frontend are fully integrated to deliver high-end corporate and social events such as weddings. This seamless integration and attention to detail have earned Nesco’s food business a reputation for excellence, ensuring that they remain a top choice for discerning clients seeking exceptional catering services”.
Over the next 2 to 3 years, Nesco plans to renovate many of their halls in a phased manner, incorporating food, dining, and meeting rooms into these new spaces. Additionally, the company has ambitious plans to establish a 400-room hotel within the complex. This strategic move will establish BEC as a unique integrated destination for events, entertainment, and hospitality in the city.