CATEX 2013, the greatest foodservice event of the year in Ireland, promises to be the most exciting and innovative event to date, according to event organisers. The flagship event for the Irish Foodservice Suppliers Alliance, CATEX will take place at the RDS, Dublin on 19-21 Feb 2013, with over 9000 attendees expected. “CATEX will be a fantastic event this year and all the key indicators are pointing us in that direction,” says Julie Morrissey, IFSA Chairperson. “Sponsored by Bunzl and Calor, CATEX 2013 will feature over 200 exhibitors spanning 12,000 square metres of the RDS. The numbers of registered attendees are already way ahead of previous years; the number of exhibitors will exceed the last show; a greater number of national competitions will be held on-site; and the number of exciting speakers and industry experts is the strongest line up to date. There is a growing sense of optimism in the foodservice sector and CATEX 2013 will be a celebration of all that is good about our sector, but also a crucial opportunity for suppliers to our industry to demonstrate new innovations, to develop business opportunities and gain valuable insights from the experts in our sector,” said Julie Morrissey, IFSA Chairperson. Continuing, Julie Morrissey said: “CATEX has been running since 1965, however CATEX 2013 will be our biggest and best show yet. We are confident that when we bring as many industry leaders together for one event, as is possible, that there will be a huge focus on innovation.”Hospitality HeroesThe introduction of ‘Hospitality Heroes’ to CATEX will add a new dimension to the entire event. The ‘Hospitality Heroes’ programme will feature discussions with a panel of successful industry operators on a variety of topics, from the latest foodservice trends to how to boost your business. Importantly for the IFSA, the discussions will be positive in nature and will focus on how hospitality operators can raise standards and drive the industry forward at this time. Some of the confirmed speakers include Donal O’Brien/ Grainne Kelliher (Aramark Ireland); Mary Flynn (FSAI); John Farrell (Dillinger’s, The Butchers Grill, 777); Ruth Hegarty (Euro-Toques Ireland); Maureen Gahan (Bord Bia); Domini Kemp (Itsa, Feast Catering); Jim Corbett (Bewleys); Adriaan Bartels (The Cliff House Hotel, Waterford); Niall Harbisson (Zesty Media). “We are excited to be able to host, over three days, ‘Hospitality Heroes’. These forums and workshops, with leading hospitality heroes, will give an incredible opportunity for attendees to delve behind the scenes and find out what makes their businesses so successful,” said Julie Morrissey, IFSA Chairperson.Chef’s Choice @ CATEXAccording to Julie Morrissey, IFSA Chairperson, “with Chef’s Choice @ CATEX, we are focussing on the need for Chef’s in Ireland to choose local produce rather than imported produce. This year Chef’s Choice @ CATEX will see a concentration on new, small artisan producers who are innovating and attempting to impress the key industry decision makers. Our sector relies on this type of innovation and that is why we are so focussed on showcasing the best local producers in Ireland.”
Opportunity for the on-tradeCATEX 2013 will see a strong focus for those operating in the on-trade, as more and more vintners seek to offer variety to their customers. In partnership with the Licensed Vintners Association (LVA) and the Vintners Federation of Ireland (VFI), CATEX will highlight opportunities for vintners to start to embrace food and the various options available to publicans from entry level right up to becoming a gastro pub.National & International CompetitionsOver the years CATEX has, become the stage for a wide variety of National and International Foodservice skills competitions. National Junior and Senior Chefs teams are chosen at CATEX, so too will be the National Barista Champion and the National Cocktail Champion. The dynamic International Teams will compete against the Irish Culinary Team at CATEX in a three day spectacular competition taking place in two purpose-built kitchens. “We are looking forward to the finals of a number of culinary and other foodservice skills competitions, which will be held throughout CATEX. The National Barista Champion (in association with the Speciality Coffee Association of Europe in Ireland) sponsored by Avonmore Milk and the National Cocktail Champion (in association with the Bartenders Association of Ireland) sponsored by Edward Dillon & Co. Ltd and two much sought after titles for participants. These competitions, along with the National Junior and Senior Chefs competing, add an extra spice to CATEX and have been a highlight for many attendees in previous years,” said Julie Morrissey, IFSA Chairpserson.CATEX is for every business relying on the foodservice sector and welcomes visitors from hotels; restaurants, cafes/snack bars/takeaways; bakeries; pubs/clubs/wine bars; franchise operators; contract caterers; forecourt caterers; in-store caterers; leisure/sports centers; wholesalers; cash & carrys; wholesalers; architects/specifiers; interior designers; researchers; furnishing/furniture outlets; travel caterers; healthcare caterers; education caterers; public sector caterers and more.“CATEX has the widest range of food and beverage suppliers and there will be a strong focus on local and sustainable produce. The show promises to bring industry leaders together to showcase the best and brightest in the industry for foodservice equipment and ancillary products and services. It will also attract the most sought-after buyers and decision makers on the scene. AT CATEX 2013 you will see a renewed emphasis on promotion of the industry and a real facilitation for networking and developing to enhance and support all that is best in the Irish foodservice industry now and for the future,” said Julie.
