Flagship trade event returns bigger than ever at new venue

THE countdown to IFEX 2026, Northern Ireland’s flagship foodservice, hospitality and retail trade event, is officially underway, with just weeks to go until the show opens its doors at its brand-new home, the Eikon Exhibition Centre, Lisburn, from 24 – 26 February.

Renowned as the ultimate meeting place for the hospitality, retail and foodservice industries, including public sector catering, IFEX returns in 2026, set to be its biggest and most ambitious edition yet. Organised by 365 Events Ltd, the three-day exhibition will feature an expanded exhibition floor, a host of exciting new features and a packed programme of live competitions, demonstrations and innovation, once again bringing together thousands of industry professionals from across Ireland to connect, source new products and be inspired.

Industry support at an all-time high

Almost 40% of exhibitors at this year’s IFEX will be exhibiting for the first time, painting an encouraging picture of growing market confidence. They will sit alongside major industry players, including Henderson Foodservice, Sysco, Stephens Catering Equipment, JMC Packaging, Frylite, Massey Catering Equipment, Advanced Cash Control Systems, CBE and AIB Merchant Services, all pledging their support for this year’s show.

“IFEX is one of NI’s longest-running trade shows and has been the cornerstone expo for the foodservice, retail and hospitality industries for many years. The move to the Eikon gives us the space and scope to elevate every aspect of the event – from live competitions to interactive features,” comments Toby Wand, Managing Director of 365 Events Ltd. He adds:

“We’ve had an incredible response from exhibitors, with stand space almost sold out months ahead of the show. It’s clear that there’s a real appetite from the trade to be part of IFEX 2026, and we’re looking forward to welcoming the industry back for three packed days of networking, sourcing new business and making valuable connections.”

What to expect at IFEX 2026

IFEX 2026 will once again cement its reputation as a one-stop shop for operators, buyers, chefs and decision-makers looking to futureproof their businesses, discover new products and meet new suppliers. From established brands to emerging innovators, the exhibitor line-up will reflect the breadth and diversity of the foodservice, hospitality and retail sectors.

A standout element of IFEX has always been its live features, and 2026 is no exception. Returning favourites will sit alongside a number of exciting new additions, ensuring there is something to engage every visitor across the three days.

100’s of exhibitors
ChefSkills Live Theatre, incl. crowning of NI Chef of the Year
Edible Art
World Skills and Wild Food Arena
Great Taste Market
IFEX Bar
Artisan Pavilion
IFEX Innovation Awards
IFEX Kitchen Live
Liquid Minds Stage

New features and returning favourites

At the heart of IFEX’s live programme is the renowned Salon Culinaire Belfast, which returns in 2026 with a packed schedule of competitions designed to celebrate culinary excellence and nurture emerging talent. The ever-popular ChefSkills Live Theatre will once again see hundreds of chefs compete in back-to-back challenges, while Edible Art will showcase incredible creativity and technical ability from chefs across Ireland.

New for 2026, IFEX Kitchen Live, supported by Chef Network and sponsored by Rational UK, Premier Foods and Foods Standards Agency, will introduce an exciting interactive cooking theatre to the show floor. Hosted by celebrity chef Suzi Lee, the feature will see some of Ireland’s leading chefs cooking live on stage while sharing insight, experience and inspiration. Morning sessions will place a spotlight on catering within the education and healthcare sectors, highlighting innovation and best practice within public sector foodservice.

Also making its debut at the show is the Liquid Minds Stage, a feature dedicated to celebrating barista craft and mixology throughcompetitions, cocktail demonstrations, and beverage masterclasses. Highlights include the Serac Ice Cocktail Competition (supported by award-winning Outwalker Whiskey and Limavady Irish Whiskey), alongside the SCA Ireland Cup Tasters Competition and the ESTA Matcha Tea Tasting Competition and Matcha Latte Art Battle. The feature will explore the latest drinks trends shaping the hospitality sector and offer valuable learning opportunities for operators looking to enhance their beverage offering.

Adding further energy to the show floor, the World Skills & Wild Food Arena will bring a fresh, immersive element to IFEX. Each morning, the arena will host live skills competitions, while afternoons will focus on wild food, with engaging demonstrations that explore foraging and wild ingredients.

“IFEX has always been known for its features, and 2026 is no different,” adds Toby Wand.

“The return of Salon Culinaire and ChefSkills Live Theatre underscores our commitment to championing talent and quality. But we’re equally excited about what’s new – from IFEX Kitchen Live with Suzi Lee and some of Ireland’s leading chefs, to the all-new Liquid Minds Stage celebrating barista craft and mixology. These additions, along with the debut of the World Skills & Wild Food Arena, create our most dynamic programme yet and offer something to inspire every corner of the industry.”

New suppliers, products and solutions

IFEX 2026 will bring together a diverse mix of established brands and exciting new suppliers, giving visitors the chance to explore fresh thinking, new product lines and the latest industry innovations shaping the industry. From food and drink concepts to the latest kitchen equipment, the show floor will offer an abundance of ideas for buyers looking to refresh ranges, elevate menus or improve operational efficiency.

Visitors will have the opportunity to sample new food and drink products, discover emerging brands and gain insight into the flavours and formats set to influence consumer demand in the year ahead. Alongside this, showcasing cutting-edge catering equipment and technology, including time-saving and energy-efficient solutions.

Support from key industry bodies, including NI Food To Go, Hospitality Ulster, Retail NI, FSBNI, NI Hotels Federation, Chef Network and the Guild of Fine Food, reinforces IFEX’s position as a cornerstone event for the sector.

IFEX 2026 takes place from Tuesday 24^th to Thursday 26^th February at the Eikon Centre, Lisburn. The show opens daily at 10am and runs until 5pm on Tuesday and Wednesday, and to 4pm on Thursday.

Registration is now open, and you can register for FREE at www.IFEXexhibition.co.uk. Follow @IFEX_NI for updates.