Industry Celebrates CATEX Return

On 21st – 23rd February 2023, thousands of key buyers in the global food & drink industry descended on CATEX at the RDS, Dublin for three days of product tasting, networking, learning and doing business.

With footfall up by over 25%, exhibitors reporting that substantial business was done and overwhelming positive feedback from visitors and exhibitors alike, CATEX really did serve up a show that will benefit all of those involved in the months and years ahead.

Visitors from major retailers, wholesalers, distributors, caterers and hospitality businesses used the show to gain vital industry insights and to discover new products to meet customer demand for 2023 and beyond.

Organised by the Irish Foodservice Suppliers Alliance, Alan Cruite, Chairman of IFSA said:

“IFSA, alongside our industry partners, has worked hard on this show for the past two years. Our goal was to make CATEX 2023 as good as it could be, and the vibrancy and atmosphere over the three days was incredible. CATEX demonstrated the forward-thinking and constantly innovating global catering and hospitality sector, showcasing key developments within the sector from sustainability to new product developments.”

During the three-day show, rising stars in the industry were identified, new champions in their field were awarded and renowned industry experts were recognised for their contribution to this diverse sector. CATEX 2023 was Ireland’s showcase for local excellence, and across the three days, top awards were given to those who excelled in their fields.

Show highpoints included the return of the Chef Ireland competitions. Taking home one of the biggest awards was David Joyce, Executive Chef at AIB, who was crowned Aramark’s Chef of the Year Ireland.

Attracting the crowds, the coffee championships were also back. Founder of Blind Monkey and Barista Wojciech Tysler stirred it up to be named the Irish Barista of the Year. As Irish Barista Champion, Wojciech will go on to represent Ireland in the World Barista Championships in Greece this June.

Demonstrating great skill and creativity, the National Latte Art Championships also took place at CATEX. Lucas Seng was named the winner and will go on to represent Ireland at the World Latte Art Championships which takes place during the World of Coffee event in Athens, Greece, June 21-24, 2023.

Teaming up with “calculate my menu”, any excess food from across the three days was donated to various charities across Ireland.

Elsewhere, industry insight and new ways of thinking were provided by a host of key industry players at the Chef Network area, providing visitors the unique opportunity to meet with, ask questions and gain valuable insight. 

CATEX will return in 2025! For more information on this year’s winners and events, visit www.catexexhibition.com.