Organised by the Irish Foodservice Suppliers Alliance (IFSA), CATEX 2019 saw thousands of visitors from the foodservice, hospitality, catering and on-trade sectors, descend on the RDS, Simmonscourt, making it the biggest turnout for the exhibition to date. With footfall up by almost 10%, exhibitors reporting that substantial business was done and overwhelming positive feedback from visitors and exhibitors alike, CATEX 2019 really did serve up a show that will benefit all of those involved in the months and years ahead.
Exhibitor stands were both impressive and engaging, with CATEX sponsors, Calor Gas showcasing a new 100% renewable energy solution and Bunzl offering up innovative business solutions and cost saving ideas. In addition, other major stands included impressive areas from BWG Foodservice, Stephens Catering Equipment, Hugh Jordan, Henderson Foodservice, Pallas Foods, Total Produce, Bewleys Ltd and Lynas Foodservice.
From delivering on-stand masterclasses to showcasing efficient technologies, exhibitors’ efforts to showcase their businesses in the best possible manner really added vibrancy to the event and for visitors, who got to sample the food and drink on offer, including the award-winning products that were on display within the Chef’s Choice Area.
Competitions And Awards
During the three-day show, rising stars in the industry were identified and top awards were given to those who excelled in their fields, including Sidecar bartender Oisin Kelly, who won the Irish National Cocktail Championship with his "Solstice" cocktail, which was composed of Grey goose vodka, St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur, Peach Reàl and Bitter Truth Orange bitters. Kelly will now go on to represent Ireland at the 2019 World Cocktail Championship in Chengdu, China, which will take place from November 4 - 8.
Meanwhile, Bewley’s Barista Wojciech Tysler was named the Avonmore Irish Barista of the Year. As Irish Barista Champion, Wojciech will go on to represent Ireland in the World Barista Championship in Boston this April.
Taking home one of the biggest awards at CATEX 2019 was head chef of visitor catering Dublin's Guinness Storehouse Oran Colhoun, who was crowned Aramark’s Chef of the Year Ireland, securing himself a place in the company’s European finals in London on April 4, 2019.
New at CATEX 2019 were the Restaurant Cook Serve and Hotel Restaurant Cook Serve competitions, with Twelve Hotel I Barna coming out on top in the former competition and a team from Dalata Hotels winning the latter competition.
With the heat on, on day three, Team Aramark was declared winners of the Contract Caterers’ Culinary Challenge, and will head off to San Sebastian, dining at some of the best tables in the region as part of their prize.
New Exhibitors And Products
New names were a welcome addition to CATEX this year, with new exhibitors including Smedes Food Production, MAK Group and UCC Coffee among many others.
Returning to CATEX after a very successful 2015 was Suki Tea. Emma Sharkey, Trade Marketing at Suki Tea, commented, "CATEX is the first event where we’ve showcased our new blend – Iced Raspberry and Vanilla Tea - and we’ve had incredible feedback."
CATEX 2019 took place from February 26 to 28, 2019 at the RDS, Simmonscourt, Dublin. As the trade event for the food, drink and hospitality industry, CATEX returns in 2021. Register your interest now – www.catexexhibition.com
Food & Bev Live 2020
Next year, Food & Bev Live returns. Taking place on February 4 and 5, 2020, at the Citywest Events Centre, Dublin, the two-day expo is the event to showcase your business, products and innovations. Contact Margaret Andreucetti, sales manager, EventHaus, on 01 846 0020.
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