Youngest Exhibitor Returns to CATEX
In February 2011, Izabella Donnelly became the youngest ever exhibitor when, as a baby, she wore an official “Exhibitor” badge on the Flannery Group stand and was introduced to an admiring procession of visitors by her grandfather Michael Flannery, chairman of CEA (now IFSA).
On the opening day of CATEX 2025, Izabella, now aged 14, was back on an exhibition stand once again in the company of Michael. They were among an estimated 500 exhibitors on more than 200 stands who welcomed thousands of Day One visitors at the 60th anniversary of CATEX.
Within minutes of the doors opening, the wide aisles of the RDS Simmonscourt were bustling with restaurateurs, hoteliers, café owners, publicans, chefs, baristas, sommeliers and industry professionals who had come along to explore all that is new and good in the Irish catering sector.
HospitalityeNews was delighted to be among them, and we will be there again today (Thursday 20th) on Stand A34 where you can win a celebratory Champagne Presentation Case.
Attracting thousands of visitors, CATEX is a one-stop shop for the hospitality and foodservice sector, bringing together national skills finals, live demonstrations, new product launches and unique networking opportunities. Bringing together 280+ suppliers, attendees can expect to engage with new exhibitors offering cutting-edge products and services, particularly in areas such as energy efficiency, waste management and sustainable food production.
On opening day, talented chefs, baristas and sommeliers took part in a variety of competitions, watched by enthusiastic audiences. The Irish Cocktail Championships, organised by The Bartenders Association of Ireland, was won by Alessandro Nikolla, followed by Ellie McDonagh (second place) and Kateryna Kryvytska (third place).
The competitions continue today, the final day of CATEX 2025.
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