“With all industry support and a sold out show we had high hopes for this year’s event, however IFEX 2022 has exceeded all our expectations!” comments Toby Wand, Managing Director of 365 Events Ltd.
IFEX saw thousands of visitors from the foodservice, hospitality, catering and retail sectors, descend on the Titanic Exhibition Centre, Belfast, bringing together some of the most exciting businesses in the industry right now. With exhibitors reporting that substantial business was done and overwhelming positive feedback from visitors and exhibitors alike, IFEX 2022 really did serve up a show that will benefit all of those involved in the months and years ahead.
As one of the first trade exhibitions in Northern Ireland to open its doors, the return of IFEX was welcomed from across the industry and comes at a time when businesses within the hospitality and foodservice industries are focused on rebuilding. Strong visitor numbers across the three days shows signs that in an increasingly digitalised world, unique opportunities for meaningful face to face time, still hold strong appeal. The event had significant sponsorship from The Department of the Economy, Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Stephens Catering, Flogas and Budget Energy, as well as strong association support through Hospitality Ulster, Retail NI, NI Hotels Federation, Food NI, FSB and NI Takeaway Association.
Owner and IFEX Event Director, Toby Wand adds: "After several years of uncertainty and postponements and at a time when our industry is experiencing unprecedented challenges, IFEX has provided a much-needed opportunity for the sector to meet face to face and look to the future. With over 150 exhibitors and a wide range of features supporting the event, IFEX has delivered a show packed full of innovation and new ideas for the industry.
“In the build up to the sold-out event, the signs were very positive, and we are thrilled to hear exhibitors are reporting that major deals have been done. On behalf of everyone at IFEX, we are incredibly thankful to the committed exhibitors and visitors who attended the show, demonstrating their support for the industry and a willingness to get back to business.”
Exhibitor stands were both impressive and engaging, with IFEX stalwarts, Lynas Foodservice housing an ‘in-stand’ café for both customers and new contacts. Henderson Foodservice brought a ‘local supplier village’ featuring produce from many of its suppliers. In addition, other major stands included impressive areas from Sysco, Hugh Jordan and Stephens Catering Equipment.
Exhibitors’ efforts to showcase their businesses in the best possible manner really added vibrancy to the event and for visitors, they got to sample the food and drink on offer, including the award-winning products that were on display at the ‘Great Taste Market’ and the new ‘IFEX Bar.’
Comments from exhibitors’ post-show included: “Very, very good show, great to connect with both customers and suppliers. It’s great to be back. See you at IFEX 2024,” Mark Stuart-Maunder, Business Development Director, Henderson Foodservice.
“IFEX 2022 was a fantastic show for our business. Well organised, brilliant footfall with strong orders coming through from our clients. We will be happy to continue this relationship with IFEX in 2024,” Robert O’Neill, Sales Manager, Kelly Hygiene & Catering Equipment.
“IFEX has been a great success and we have made a lot of good contacts with companies who hopefully will propel our business to a new level,” Seamus Daly & Geoffrey O’Donnell, Snacks For You.
“2022 was the first time Cambro had a stand-alone exhibit at IFEX. We were delighted with not only how many visitors attended but also the level of interest shown by end users,” Luke Carman, UK & Ireland Sales Manager, Cambro Manufacturing.
During the exhibition, rising stars in the industry were identified, new champions in their field were awarded and renowned industry experts were recognised for their contribution to this diverse sector. IFEX was Northern Ireland’s showcase for local excellence and across the three days’ top awards were given to those who excelled in their fields.
Taking home one of the biggest awards was Lauma Jurkjane, sous chef at Kilronan Castle Hotel, who was crowned Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Northern Ireland Chef of the Year.
Also presented with certificates were the winners of The IFEX Innovation Awards. Designed to highlight and recognise outstanding products that have been created since the last event, industry winners included:
- Best Food & Drink product – Highball Cocktails, Drink No Low
- Best in Equipment, Design & Technology – Joint 1st place went to Stephens Catering Equipment for their Falcon Fryer Angel and Pudu Robotics
- People’s choice Winner – Joint 1st place went to Yellaman Honeycomb Vodka Liqueur from Indulgent Drinks and Fusion from Elis
Teaming up with FareShare NI as an event partner, the team at IFEX were thrilled to hear that across the three days over 2,000 kg of surplus food was collected, enough for the charity to provide almost 5,000 meals for vulnerable people across Northern Ireland. Speaking about the event, Caoimhe Glover, FareShare NI Food Sourcing Officer comments “We had a fantastic three days at IFEX and are absolutely delighted with and really grateful to all of the exhibitors for donating their surplus to us. It will go a long way in helping to provide meals to the vulnerable and disadvantaged groups across society.”
With over 150 companies showcasing innovative products and services, visitors had a wealth of new products to see, taste and learn about. With everything from Irish Black Butter to revolutionary new cleaning equipment and state of the art hospitality robots, IFEX 2022 really did deliver a vast array of products under one roof.
As the premier trade event for the food, retail and hospitality industry, IFEX returns in early March 2024! Register your interest with the team at 365 Events via ifexexhibition.co.uk or contact Lyndsey Harker, Head of Sales via
