SODEXO IRELAND INNOVATION AND SALON CULINAIRE

The stunning setting of the Cliff at Lyons estate in Co. Kildare was a fitting backdrop to the extremely successful Sodexo Ireland Innovation Exhibition, supplier showcase and Salon Culinaire.  Organised by Julianne Forrestal, executive development chef for Sodexo Ireland, fresh thinking in food topped the menu at a packed day of innovation and insights into international trends and best practice in addition to the showcasing of the culinary expertise of the company’s craft teams at Salon Culinaire and the Chef of the Year Competition.

Margot Slattery, country president, opened the day’s proceedings, which was attended by staff and suppliers from all over Ireland.

Ciran Madanes, strategic insight manager with Sodexo, spoke about challenging perceptions and consumer trend predictions over the next two years. She said, “While customers are always looking for best value for money, they have shown they are prepared to splurge on selected quality items. Fuzed, the Japanese pop-up, stood out for me at the Salon as it’s a very on-trend cuisine at present. Furthermore, having your food made in front of you provides you with an experience and allows you to customise your food to your personal tastes.”

David Mulcahy, food development and innovation director for Sodexo UK and Ireland was master of ceremonies for an engaging question and answer session with guests Derry Clarke, Sodexo’s culinary ambassador and chef patron of the Michelin-starred L’Ecrivain in Dublin; Maurice McGeehan, executive chef for Airbnb; Ruth Hegarty, head of community for Chef Network Ireland and James Devine, the UK Craft Guild of Chefs’ 2017 National Chef of the Year.

Pictured at the Sodexo Ireland Innovation Exhibition and Salon Culinaire in Cliff at Lyons, Kildare on Thursday 7th September 2017 were: Grace Binchy, consumer and market insights specialist, Bord Bia with Dave Mulcahy, food and innovation director, Julianne Forrestal, executive development chef and Ciran Madanes, strategic insight manager, Sodexo UK and Ireland