10% increase in CATEX visitors

CATEX 2017 saw the biggest turnout for the exhibition to date at over 250 exhibitors and almost 12,000 visitors and with footfall up by almost 10%, exhibitors reported that substantial business was done, according to the Irish Foodservice Suppliers Alliance.

IFSA Chairman Larry Smith commented, “The IFSA, alongside our industry partners, has worked hard on this show for the past two years. Our goal was to make CATEX 2017 as good as it could be and the vibrancy and atmosphere over the three days was incredible.

“In the build-up to the sold-out event, the signs were very positive but visitor numbers have exceeded our expectations and we’re thrilled to hear exhibitors are reporting that major deals have been done.”

From delivering on-stand masterclasses to showcasing efficient technologies, exhibitors’ efforts to showcase their businesses in the best possible manner really added vibrancy to the event, stressed the organisers Eventhaus.

Maureen Gahan, Bord Bia’s Foodservice Specialist, who visited CATEX, commented, “The foodservice market in Ireland is now worth €7.5 billion and forecast to grow to over €9 billion by 2020, offering a viable route to market and major opportunities for suppliers providing innovative products and solutions to meet changing consumer needs and CATEX was a great place to showcase this”.

Officially visiting the show on opening day, Minister for the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Michael Creed TD commented that, “The foodservice and hospitality sectors are vitally important to Ireland’s economy”.

CATEX returns in 2019 while next year, Food & Bev Live returns on the 6^th and 7^th February at the Citywest Events Centre, Dublin. Contact EventHaus on 01 846 0020 for more details.