CATEX Celebrates Innovation and Talent
A highlight of CATEX was the Irish Foodservice Supplier Awards. Themed around “Environmental Sustainability and the Circular Economy”, the awards showcased the latest advancements in sustainable products and innovative services, demonstrating how the industry is actively reducing its environmental impact. Sponsored by Gas Networks Ireland, the awards celebrated products and services launched since December 2023 that contribute to carbon emissions reduction, food waste minimisation, single-use plastic elimination, and improved water management.
The IFSA Award Winners are:
- Best Environmentally Sustainable Food Product – Eat Trout for Hot Smoked Fillets
- Best Environmentally Sustainable Packaging Product – Essity Ireland Ltd for Tork OptiServe Coreless Toilet Paper System
- Best Technology-Led Foodservice Innovation – Front/Back of House – CBE for CBE Innova
- Environmental Sustainability / Energy Efficiency Innovation in Heavy Catering Equipment – Rational UK for the Rational iHexagon
- Environmental Sustainability / Energy Efficiency Innovation in Light Catering Equipment – Marco Beverage Systems for MilkPal
- National Foodservice Supplier of the Year – BWG Foodservice
- Local / Direct Foodservice Supplier of the Year – Grove Dairy Ltd.
Beyond products and innovation, CATEX 2025 placed a significant emphasis on nurturing talent and fostering industry skills. Several high-profile competitions took place, adding to the excitement of the event:
The Bartenders Association of Ireland Official Cocktail Competition saw Alessandro Nikolla from Buffalo Boy crowned champion. Competing against 35 of Ireland’s finest bartenders, Alessandro’s “Sama-Sama” cocktail, a creative twist on a classic, impressed the judges and secured him the top spot.
Barry McGeehin from April Coffee stirred it up to be named Ireland’s best brewer in The Irish Brewers Cup, coordinated by the Specialty Coffee Association of Ireland (SCA). Demonstrating great skill and creativity, Barry will go on to represent Ireland at the World Championships in Jakarta.
One of the main events – the Chef Ireland Competitions, hosted in partnership with the Panel of Chefs – showcased remarkable culinary skills from Ireland’s top chefs. Walking away with the top prize was Gareth Carberry from Inchydoney Spa and Lodge who was named Senior Chef of the Year 2025, and Donal Byrne from SETU who was named Junior Chef of the Year 2025.
Additionally, Sous Chef Jake Gamboa from AIB Molesworth Street, was crowned Aramark’s Chef of the Year Ireland after beating eight other finalists. He is set to represent Aramark Ireland at the International Chefs Cup 2025 in Shanghai, China, in May.
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