Sophie Smith is IFEX NI Chef of the Year – Standout Success for IFEX 2026
Sophie Smith was named as IFEX NI Chef of the Year. At just 22 years old, Sophie made history as the youngest winner and the first-ever student to claim the prestigious title, supported by Food NI. A final-year Culinary Arts Management student at Ulster University, Sophie impressed judges with her confident technique and modern approach to local ingredients. Her achievement reflects the strength of emerging talent within NI’s hospitality sector.
New Venue Delivers Standout Success for IFEX 2026!
IFEX 2026, Northern Ireland’s premier food, drink, retail and hospitality trade event, has wrapped up a highly successful three days at its new home, the Eikon Exhibition Centre, Lisburn.
The move to the larger venue marked a significant new chapter for the event, with strong engagement across the show floor and feature areas throughout. Feedback from both exhibitors and visitors confirmed that IFEX continues to play an essential role in driving meaningful connections and commercial opportunities across the sector.
At a time when businesses are navigating cost pressures, skills shortages and evolving consumer demand, IFEX once again proved its value as a platform that brings the entire industry together under one roof. From artisan food producers and national distributors to equipment manufacturers, software providers and cutting-edge hospitality technology companies, the breadth of innovation on display reflected a sector that is resilient and forward-looking. New features introduced for 2026 shone a spotlight on emerging trends, particularly across drinks, sustainability and skills development.
Toby Wand, Managing Director of 365 Events, comments: “With incredible backing from the industry and a sold-out event, our hopes for IFEX 2026 were high, yet the show, in its new home, exceeded all expectations. Over three action-packed days, we welcomed a wider reach of visitors from across the island of Ireland and of senior level authority. The show in 2026 certainly had an energy and buzz unlike any past year.
“Our sector has weathered years of challenges and uncertainty, and IFEX was just the platform needed for industry professionals to reconnect, recharge and look ahead. With close to 250 exhibitors and a vibrant line-up – including exciting new features – IFEX 2026 delivered a showcase bursting with creativity and new possibilities.
“My thanks to all our exhibitors and visitors. The level of engagement across the show floor speaks for itself and reinforces the importance of events like IFEX.”
Expanding across two halls, exhibitor stands were both impressive and engaging. Major industry players such as Sysco, Henderson Foodservice, Stephens Catering Equipment, Meadow Vale Food, Unox and Andrew Ingredients, to name but a few, highlighted new products, equipment innovations and supplier partnerships across the show floor, while artisan producers from across the island sampled products, met buyers and built new relationships. The Great Taste Market, Irish Producers Village and Liquid Minds Stage, new for 2026, were particularly strong draws, highlighting award-winning produce and the latest trends across food, drinks and mixology.
Emphasising the importance of the sector to the wider Northern Ireland business economy, IFEX 2026 was visited by Minister for the Economy, Dr Caoimhe Archibald and Deputy First Minister, Emma Little-Pengelly, who toured the show and met with a range of exhibitors and competitors.
Salon Culinaire Belfast and the ChefSkills Theatre programme, supported by the Department for the Economy (DfE) and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), were key highlights of the Minister’s visit, showcasing the depth of culinary talent and training standards across the region. Speaking after her visit, Minister Archibald said:
“IFEX provides an excellent opportunity to showcase the talent pool from across the food and hospitality sector. Skills competitions such as this not only recognise individual success in competitions, but also provide a valuable opportunity for learners to develop, training standards to be raised, and skills excellence promoted.”
Among the standout moments of the show was the crowning of Sophie Smith as IFEX NI Chef of the Year. At just 22 years old, Sophie made history as the youngest winner and the first-ever student to claim the prestigious title, supported by Food NI. A final-year Culinary Arts Management student at Ulster University, Sophie impressed judges with her confident technique and modern approach to local ingredients. Her achievement reflects the strength of emerging talent within NI’s hospitality sector.
Innovation was also formally recognised by the IFEX Innovation Awards, judged by industry leaders. Lick Gelato’s canned ice-cream took the top food and drink accolade for its clever, portable approach to artisan ice cream, while the Eggcheff from Stephens Catering Equipment was recognised in the catering equipment design and technology category for its smart, space-saving solution that delivers fresh scrambled eggs quickly and efficiently, reducing waste in both front and back-of-house settings.
With close to 250 exhibiters showcasing new products and services – from artisan food and drink to advanced kitchen systems and hospitality technology – IFEX delivered a show that created real opportunities for business to be done, benefiting both exhibitors and visitors alike. That momentum was further reinforced by the strong backing of key industry bodies, including NI Food To Go, FSB NI, Hospitality Ulster, Retail NI, Northern Ireland Hotels Federation, Chef Network and the Guild of Fine Food, whose continued support reinforces IFEX’s role as a key industry platform for the foodservice, retail and hospitality sectors.
As Northern Ireland’s premier trade event for food, drink, retail and hospitality, IFEX will return to the Eikon Exhibition Centre from 22nd – 24th February 2028. Businesses interested in exhibiting can register their interest via www.ifexexhibition.co.uk or contact Lyndsey Harker, Head of Sales by emailing: lyndsey@365-events.co.uk.
