CATEX 2013 launched

As one if its first acts since its re-Christening from the Catering Equipment Association to the Irish Foodservice Suppliers Alliance, the IFSA has announced the launch of CATEX 2013, to take place at the RDS, Dublin from the 19th to the 21st Feb 2013.

The biennial event has been running since 1965.
 
Sponsored by Bunzl and Calor, CATEX 2013 is expected to attract up to 9,000 decision-makers to over 200 exhibitors spanning 12,000 square metres of the RDS. 
 
Despite many closures in the foodservice industry during the recession, industry  trends also indicate that quick-service restaurants and ‘other commercial’ (such as on-the-go and casual dining) will drive the continued revival of the market, together with a revival in hotels on the back of a more buoyant tourist trade, states the IFSA.

The event will witness the finals of many culinary and other Foodservice Skills competitions. National Junior and Senior Chefs teams are chosen at CATEX, as will be the National Barista Champion and the National Cocktail Champion.  International teams will compete against the Irish Culinary Team at the event in a three day spectacular competition taking place in two purpose-built kitchens.

Fresh for 2013 will be an all-new stand Layout, an Artisan Food Market, an On-Trade Kitchen concept, a focus on Energy and Waste Management and the Foodservice Heroes Stage where visitors can learn from the best in the Business.
In 2011 the show partnered with both the VFI and the LVA to highlight how the on-trade was starting to embrace food and the various options available to publicans from a very simple entry level right up to becoming a gastro pub. This will be further developed next year as well as highlighting the importance and commercial advantages to sourcing local produce and the importance of quality and value for every successful operator.

For more information www.catexexhibition.com.