Next year, there'll be a new addition to IFEX, Northern Ireland’s largest food, drink and hospitality expo, when it plays host to the World Butchers’ Challenge (WBC) for the first time.
Returning to the Titanic Exhibition Centre, Belfast from the 20- 22 March next year, the biennial event will almost double in size to over 8,000 sq m. Introducing a new sister show – MEAT@IFEX – this innovative new event will be focused on showcasing the meat sector and it will also house over 250 butchers from around the globe, who will be taking part at the World Butchers’ Challenge.
The WBC (World Butchers’ Challenge) was created as a platform where butchers from across the world can compete and showcase the butchery skills and creative uses of meat from their respective countries. Having previously taken place in New Zealand, Australia and Great Britain, the winning bid to secure the event for 2018 came from Team Ireland and was submitted by Rhonda Montgomery, CEO of Butchery Excellence Ireland, and Chef Sean Owens, in conjunction with IFEX’s Organisers, Fresh Montgomery.
Commenting on the company's plans for IFEX 2018, Toby Wand, Event Director of IFEX explains: "We have set the bar high for IFEX 2018, as THE trade event that really galvanises all of those in the food, drink, retail and hospitality sectors. IFEX 2016 was a phenomenal success, growing visitor numbers by 24%, and we’re determined to deliver another exceptional show in 2018.
"We have partnered with NI company, Butchery Excellence Ireland, to add an international dimension to IFEX with the addition of a sister show – MEAT@IFEX – and the arrival of the World Butchers’ Challenge. To deliver these innovations, Fresh Montgomery and Butchery Excellence Ireland are investing over £150,000 into IFEX 2018, which includes adding a new pavilion dedicated to MEAT@IFEX, growing the show floorplan to over 8,000 sq. metres.
