IFEX, NI’s Largest Foodservice & Hospitality Expo, Returns
Next March, Northern Ireland’s premier food, drink and hospitality event – IFEX 2024 – will return, opening its doors at the Titanic Exhibition Centre, Belfast and increasing its footprint, there’s set to be even more ingredients for a successful show than ever before.
As a biennial event, IFEX, taking place from Tuesday 5th to Thursday 7th March, offers a unique opportunity for visitors to meet with over 150 companies, watch hundreds of industry and students chefs compete, hear from experts on the spotlight stage, and network with thousands of industry colleagues, all under one roof.
Following the highly successful 2022 event, event organisers, 365 Events Ltd, have worked hard to create an exhibition that is set to be even bigger and better than previous shows and one which delivers value to both exhibitors and visitors alike. Confirmed show attractions include Salon Culinaire Belfast,which comprises of the ChefSkills Theatre, the Great Taste Market and new for 2024, the NI Skills Hub, Spotlight Stage and the IFEX Master’s Arena which will showcase masterclasses, workshops, competitions and exhibitor tastings across the bakery, butchery and coffee sectors. IFEX will also play host to a trade only Coffee Festival, a first for the event that will feature the National Cup Tasters Competition, where over 30 coffee enthusiasts will put their skills to the test.
Commenting on the show’s return, Toby Wand, Managing Director of 365 Events, organisers of IFEX said: ‘We’re thrilled to announce the return of IFEX to Belfast, an event that’s historically supported the growth of the hospitality and foodservice sectors across Northern Ireland.
‘Northern Ireland is renowned for its hospitality offering, and IFEX plays such a pivotal role in the development of skills, with many of Northern Ireland’s top chefs having been recognised at IFEX over the years. Based on our research and listening to the industry, this year, we are now investing further in the development of IFEX, increasing the show’s footprint by 40% with an addition of another hall. This is where we plan to house our ‘Skills Hub’ and create a three-day actioned packed competition area championing bakers, butchers and baristas.’
Predicting a strong event in 2024, Toby adds: ‘In 2022, there was a huge buzz around IFEX, with exhibitors reporting a real upturn in business and an increase in visitor numbers, so we’ve high hopes for 2024. A larger show, coupled with new features, excellent exhibitors and attractions that encourage and reward talent within the hospitality sector, will make IFEX the home of innovation for hospitality and retail from the 5th – 7th March next year.’
IFEX returns with industry support from leading bodies including Retail NI, Hospitality Ulster, NI Hotels Federation and NI Takeaway Association.
Almost 20% of confirmed exhibitors at next year’s IFEX will be exhibiting for the first time, painting an encouraging picture of growing market confidence. They will sit alongside big-name players, including Henderson Foodservice, Hugh Jordan, Bunzl McLaughlin, Cater 2, Unox, Kepak and Golden Glen, all pledging their support for next year’s show.
For further information, visit www.IFEXexhibition.co.uk and @IFEX_NI on social.
Featured image: Colin Neill, Hospitality Ulster; Toby Wand, Managing Director of 365 Events, organisers of IFEX; Emma Mcllveen; Sean Owens, IFEX Salon Culinaire Director & Glyn Roberts, Retail NI
