​The International Monetary Fund has said growth in the Irish economy is expected to "remain strong".

But it warned that risks are "tilted to the downside" as there is "substantial uncertainty" due to the fall-out from the ongoing war in Ukraine.

The IMF forecasts growth in GDP (Gross Domestic Product) terms of 6% this year and 5% next year. It expects inflation to average 6.5% this year before falling to 2.8% next year.

​Bars, hotels and restaurants fear they risk going out of business if Government fails to retain some Covid supports this year.

According to a survey by insolvency experts Kroll and the Restaurants Association of Ireland (RAI), more than 85pc of hospitality firms say they would not have survived without government supports.

Out of 150 companies surveyed, 42pc said they will not have enough working capital after the end of supports, such as the employment wage subsidy scheme, which will stop this month.

The Minister for Tourism has said she is pressing for the temporarily reduced VAT rate for tourism and hospitality to be extended further.  Introduced to help assist the recovery of the sectors, the 9% rate is due to return to 13.5% at the end of August.  However, Catherine Martin said the issue is ultimately one for the Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe.

​Julie Ennis, CEO Corporate Services, Sodexo UK and Ireland, has won the CEO of the Year Award at the Image PwC Businesswoman of the Year Awards for 2022. 

The Image Awards were established 14 years ago to honour and celebrate Ireland’s foremost female innovators and changemakers. Over 530 applications were received this year for the ten award categories, from social entrepreneurs to sustainability champions, young businesswomen and start-ups to CEOs and entrepreneurs.

EFCEM are seeking input from operators in EU countries on the operating environment and its effect on business.  The survey seeks to understand how EFCEM members are dealing with the issues caused as a result of the Covid pandemic and the current conflict in Ukraine.

Understanding how EFCEM members have been affected will provide direction for support the work of EFCEM in the short to medium term. 

​PREM Group & Trinity Purchasing are delighted to host their annual Charity Golf Day in aid of Beyond the Moon which is taking place on Monday 16th May 2022 at Tulfarris Hotel & Golf Resort, Blessington Co. Wicklow.
 
They are hoping that this will be our biggest event yet, with all proceeds going directly to this wonderful cause. Since partnering with Beyond The Moon in 2005, our donations have enabled over 50 families with seriously ill children to take a much needed vacation together, away from hospitals and treatments.

​EFCEM is the only Commercial Kitchen Equipment Group represented in Brussels by Orgalim, the highly respected voice of the Europe's Technology Industries. Through such high level of representation EFCEM can advocate and influence current legislation while anticipating regulations. 

The federation is active in the formulation of standards for the industry and through its meetings seeks to identify and act on issues of common interest. By being involved within EFCEM, National Associations and their Members benefit form unrivalled technical expertise and resources. 

The newsletter this quarter begins with the sad news of the passing of EFCEM Secretary General, Fabio Gargantini, and previous Secretary General, Bryan Whittaker.  It also details updates from various Working Groups:

• BIM and Public Procurement
• Environmental Matters
• Safety, Hygiene, Potability of Water
• Connectivity

Marketing

CATEX – Ireland’s largest foodservice & hospitality event – is now confirmed for 21-23 February 2023 at the RDS Simmonscourt, returning to its normal biannual dates of early in the year.

Supported once again by steadfast sponsors, Bunzl and Calor, the 2023 event is hoping to return to the successful heights of 2019 when the expo welcomed its biggest-ever attendance of 12,500 industry professionals who met with 250+ exhibitors over the three-days.