- The industry event that will be serving up ideas and innovation -
CATEX, Ireland’s largest foodservice and hospitality event, returns to the RDS, Dublin, from Tuesday February 26 to Thursday February 28, 2019, and with over 11,000 visitors expected to attend, it’s one of the most eagerly anticipated industry events of the year.
A biennial event, CATEX 2019 is the prime opportunity for visitors to meet with over 200 suppliers and manufacturers, watch hundreds of chefs, baristas and drink specialists compete, and network with thousands of industry colleagues.
Running for three days, CATEX, supported by Bunzl and Calor Gas, has firmly cemented its reputation as the ultimate destination for the hospitality and foodservice industry. Following the highly-successful 2017 event, the Irish Foodservice Suppliers Alliance (IFSA) has worked hard to create an exhibition that is set to be even bigger and better than previous shows and one which delivers exceptional value to both exhibitors and visitors alike.
Commenting on the importance of show support, IFSA chairman and general manager with Total Produce Foodservice, John Cunningham said, "CATEX 2019 promises to serve up three days packed full of ideas, innovation and solutions for your business. From inspiring competitions to expert masterclasses, and an abundance of ideas, CATEX is simply the number one event for industry professionals in foodservice, hospitality and within the food and drink sectors in Ireland.
"Attending CATEX is free, so for people from across Ireland who work in foodservice and hospitality, it’s this year’s ‘must-attend’ event."
Indicating that the demand and anticipation for CATEX is high, exhibitor space is now sold out, with a waiting list in place, and visitor pre-show registrations are well ahead of previous years. This year, more people have registered to attend CATEX than ever before and thousands of additional registrations are expected over the coming weeks.
As a visitor at CATEX, you will meet a huge number of exhibitors at this year’s show including big brand names in foodservice - such as Bunzl, Bewleys Ltd, BWG foodservice, Calor Gas, Henderson Foodservice, Hugh Jordan, Lynas, Pallas Foods and Total Produce - who will sit alongside successful local companies including Above Noon, Dairy Glen, FIXX Coffee, Redmond Fine Foods and Rosie & Jim to name but a few.
What’s happening at the event...
Food For Thought
As such an important event for restauranteurs, hoteliers, chefs, café owners and all of those in the food, drink and hospitality sectors, you can expect plenty of innovative discussions and debates on a range of topics across the three days at CATEX.
Chef Network Hub
Chef Network brings chefs together to collaborate, share knowledge, and learn from each other, and the Chef Network Hub at CATEX 2019 will be a social space where chefs can meet and connect, as well as a working space where chefs will exchange ideas on the future of their industry, discussing everything from sustainability and how chefs are trained to the skills needed to run a food business and food trends.
This year, new features include Student Chef Sessions supported by Calor Gas, the Kitchen Workplace Charter, and Chef Network Masterclasses taking place on the Live Stage. To keep up-to-date or to sign up to Chef Network visit - www.chefnetwork.ie
Serving Up Talent
CATEX is the national centre for local excellence in the industry and nurtures Ireland’s talent of the future through world-class competitions and expert demonstrations.
Over the three days of the show, CATEX will be hosting the Irish Barista Championships, organised by SCA Ireland. Twelve baristas will compete to be named champion and have the chance to represent Ireland at the World Barista Championships. Demonstrating great skill and creativity, the Irish Latte Art Championships will also be taking place across the three days.
The Bartenders Association’s Irish Cocktail Championships will see Ireland’s leading mixologists putting their skills to the test during the high-octane cocktail challenges. The biggest competition on the calendar, with interest from bars and restaurants all over Ireland, the winner will get the opportunity to represent Ireland at the World Cocktail Championship later in the year.
Chef Ireland Culinary Competitions 2019: With over 1000 chefs descending on CATEX to take part in Chef Ireland’s national culinary competitions – the Panel of Chefs - organised competitions, will welcome competitors to a host of category competitions over the three days.
This major culinary event affords all chefs throughout Ireland – from senior and junior chefs to culinary art students and apprentices from all aspects of the Irish hospitality industry – the opportunity to display their exceptional culinary skills, creativity, innovation and techniques.
At CATEX 2019, visitors will also see the launch of the Restaurant, Hotel and Contract Catering Cook Serve Competitions - IFSA Grand Prix - giving professionals an opportunity to compete to win a once-in-a-lifetime gastronomy getaway Lyon or Bilbao.
Celebrating its 60th Anniversary and the 30th Chef Ireland Culinary Championships this year is set to sizzle. For the full schedule of events, please visit CATEX online – www.catexexhibition.com
If you are in the foodservice, catering or hospitality industry then CATEX is the most important date of the year, serving up solutions for visitors through innovations, new products and services, and learning! Make sure you’re a part of it. Registration is now open, and you can register for FREE at www.CATEXexhibition.com
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