Northern Ireland’s presence at Ireland’s biggest foodservice expo is set to be greater than ever as NI companies look to expand their footprint in Ireland. Over 18 Northern Irish companies will join more than 280 exhibitors from the foodservice and hospitality industries at CATEX – which opens its doors on Tuesday 18th February in Dublin.
Running until Thursday 20th February 2025 at the RDS, Simmonscourt, over 12,500 visitors are expected to attend the event to discover the latest innovations, trends, and solutions driving the foodservice industry forward. As the event celebrates six decades of showcasing excellence, Northern Irish companies are gearing up to seize opportunities across Ireland’s foodservice market.
Many of Northern Ireland’s foodservice and hospitality businesses have longstanding success in Ireland, but CATEX offers a unique platform to expand networks and reach new customers. Despite economic challenges, including ongoing supply chain issues, NI companies remain optimistic about leveraging the event to drive growth.
Among the Northern Irish exhibitors are some of the industry’s leading names, including, Bunzl McLaughlin, Henderson Foodservice, Frylite, Massey Catering Equipment Ltd., Draynes Farm, Burren Balsamics, Forest Feast and Willbrook Foods, along with innovative newcomers making their CATEX debut. Together, they will showcase an array of products, services, and solutions that underscore the quality and innovation Northern Ireland brings to the foodservice and hospitality sector.
CATEX 25
Commenting ahead of CATEX 2025, Mark Harney, Sales and Marketing Director at Bunzl McLaughlin adds: “We are excited to participate in CATEX 2025, the premier event for the hospitality industry in Ireland. It gives us a unique opportunity to not only meet our valued customers but build new relationships and launch new products and solutions in the industry. This year, we have several innovations that reinforce our commitment to sustainability in addition to digital solutions suitable for all customers. W
“We believe a sustainable future is crucial for our industry, and our innovative solutions reflect this mission. Having exhibited and sponsored this event for several years, we’ve witnessed firsthand the tremendous value of connecting with our valued partners and celebrating our shared commitment to the evolving needs of the industry.”
Celebrating 60 years of industry excellence, CATEX 2025 is supported by long-term sponsors Bunzl McLaughlin and Calor. As Ireland’s premier foodservice and hospitality event, CATEX remains a cornerstone for industry professionals looking to discover the latest products and innovations, taste cutting-edge food trends and connect with top brands shaping the future of foodservice and hospitality.
This year’s CATEX will see the return of key feature areas such as the Chef Network Hub, where industry experts will lead live demonstrations and discussions, and the Irish Foodservice Suppliers Awards (IFSA’s), sponsored by Gas Network Ireland, recognising excellence in sustainability and innovation. Celebrating Ireland’s dynamic foodservice industry, and in an increasingly competitive market, CATEX will continue the event’s rich history of celebrating excellence within the industry and will play host to world-class competitions including the Irish Brewers Cup coordinated by the Specialty Coffee Association of Ireland (SCA), Bartenders Association of Ireland Official Cocktail Competition, and the ‘hotly’ contended Chef Ireland Culinary Competitions, hosted in partnership with the Panel of Chefs.
