CATEX HAD ALL THE INGREDIENTS OF A GREAT SUCCESS!

​A record number of visitors from the foodservice, hospitality, catering and on-trade sectors attended this year’s CATEX, sponsored by Bunzl and Calor Gas. 

Thousands of visitors flocked through the doors to do business with the 250+ exhibitors. Reporting significant sales and leads, initial exhibitor feedback has been very strong, with many indicating that the show’s complex mix of innovative products, informative seminars and world-class competitions was a winning combination.

From delivering on-stand masterclasses to showcasing efficient technologies, the quality of exhibitor stands throughout the show was striking. Exhibitors’ efforts to showcase their businesses in the best possible manner really added vibrancy to the event and for visitors, they came hungry sampling some of the thousands of quality food and drink products that were on offer.

CATEX 2019 was Ireland’s showcase for local excellence
 
Across the three-days at CATEX, rising stars in the industry were identified, new champions in their field were born and renowned industry experts were recognised for their contribution to this diverse sector.
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​ARAMARK CHEF OF THE YEAR
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Oran Colhoun, head chef of visitor catering at the Guinness storehouse, Dublin was crowned Aramark Chef of the Year Ireland beating off tough competition to claim the prestigious title at CATEX.

Oran impressed and delighted the panel of judges with his dishes - main course: wild Irish mushroom Wellington, pickled vegetables, potato foam, pea purée, mint oil and Madeira jus and dessert: lemon meringue egg in a nest of pistachio chocolate and almond soil chocolate feather limoncello ‘egg yolk’ lemon and lime ice cream.

​IRISH COCKTAIL CHAMPION
Oisin Kelly of the Sidecar in the Westbury, Dublin mixed it up in the finals of the National Cocktail Championships, to be crowned the Irish National Cocktail Champion. Oisin wowed the judges with a unique and innovative cocktail entitled ‘Solstice’. Oisin beat of stiff competition from some of Ireland’s most talented and creative mixologists and will now go on to represent Ireland at the 2019 World Cocktail Championship in Chengdu, China, 4th - 8th November. 

Avonmore Irish Barista of the Year
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Wojciech Tysler stirred it up to be named the Avonmore Irish Barista of the Year. As Irish Barista Champion, Wojciech will go on to represent Ireland in the World Barista Championships in Boston this April.