Northern Ireland’s presence at CATEX – Ireland’s biggest foodservice expo – is set to be greater than ever before as local companies look to expand their footprint in Ireland. 22 Northern Irish companies, occupying 25% of the total floorspace, will join more than 250 exhibitors from the foodservice and hospitality industries at CATEX – which opens its doors on Tuesday 26th February in Dublin.
Sean Martin, Sales Director with Bunzl; Margaret Andreucetti, Sales Manager CATEX; Mariana Landin, Waitress, The Gibson Hotel and Oliver Kenny, Sales Director with Calor Gas
Running until Thursday 28th February 2019 at the RDS, Simmonscourt, over 12,000 visitors are expected to attend the event to seek out new products, technology and services in the foodservice industry.
Many of Northern Ireland’s biggest names have already long and established business in Ireland, and despite the looming threat of Brexit, it’s business as usual for foodservice and hospitality companies who are hoping to avail of new opportunities in the Irish foodservice market that’s worth a reported €6.05 billion*.
The combined total value of the foodservice sector in NI and ROI is €8.2 billion, with the ROI market growing by 6.1% and 4% growth in NI in 2018. Northern Irish exhibitors attending this year’s CATEX include Lynas Foodservice, Henderson Foodservice, Bunzl, Around Noon, Scotts Crispy Onions, Galgorm Group, Concept Beverages, Deli Lites and Henderson Food Machinery.
Commenting ahead of this year’s CATEX 2019, Andrew Lynas, Managing Director of Lynas Foodservice says: “CATEX has been instrumental in helping Lynas Foodservice to grow its customer base across Ireland. Since our first show in 2009, we’ve increased our stand space year on year as we can clearly see the return on our investment, both at the show and in the months following CATEX.
“As the biggest foodservice and hospitality event in Ireland, CATEX is our opportunity to meet with current customers from all corners of Ireland over three days. It’s where we can showcase our entire range, launch new products, meet new contacts and do real business.”
CATEX, supported by Bunzl and Calor Gas, has firmly cemented its reputation as the ultimate destination for the hospitality and foodservice industry. Taking place every two years, space at CATEX is of huge importance to many companies and small producers who are operating in the foodservice and hospitality business.
The show will play host to a range of events over the three days from Chef Masterclasses to Industry Insights. CATEX is also home to the Irish Coffee Championships, the Irish Cocktail Championships and features three days of sizzling competitions including the highly sought-after Chef of the Year.
