IFEX is Northern Ireland’s largest industry showcase of the latest products in food & drink, interiors, catering equipment, technology and services. IFEX features a range of visitor attractions designed to inspire and engage, but most importantly to impart expert insight into how to run a more profitable business.
Salon Culinaire Belfast
Salon Culinaire at IFEX is a series of culinary competitions designed to nurture and discover Northern Ireland's finest culinary talent. Consisting of two key categories - ChefSkills and Edible Art - Salon Culinaire Belfast raises the bar in terms of culinary skills in Northern Ireland.
Chef Skills Live Theatre
Recognising and discovering some of the industry’s most promising chefs, The ChefSkills comprises of a series of culinary competitions, where many of Northern Ireland's celebrated chefs were first recognised, including Michael Deane, Chris Bell and Roisin Gavin! The competitions culminate in the prestigious Northern Ireland Chef of the Year Competition
Edible Art
Edible Art will showcase the skills and talents of the industry as competing chefs create impressive decorative exhibitions made out of a range of foodstuffs. The finalist’s stunning creations are on display in what can truly be described as an 'edible art gallery'.
Hospitality Core Skills Hub
World Skills NI
Addressing an industry wide problem, the NI Hospitality Skills Hub is a hands-on demo theatre where students learn new skills from fish filleting to bed making. New areas for 2024 are barista skills such as latte art and making the perfect cocktail in the mixology sessions.
Great Taste Market
IFEX 2024 has once again partnered with The Guild of Fine Food – the organisers of the prestigious Great Taste Awards – the world’s largest food and drink accreditation scheme to bring you the Great Taste Market. It is the perfect opportunity to see and taste some of the 2023 award winning products.
IFEX Bar
Learn about what’s hot right now in the drinks world and see the latest trends in the market, and sample some of the most innovative and new drinks brands. There’ll be a whole host of experts on hand to give you the latest business advice and to help you make the right selections to suit your business.
IFEX Innovation Awards
The IFEX Innovation awards showcase new stand out products from our exhibitors. Look out for our finalists in the “Equipment, Design & technology” category, and sample the entries in our Food & Drink category. The awards are judged by an independent panel of experts who are looking for all round excellence.
IFEX Masters Arena
A brand new feature for 2024 will focus on three key areas of our industry including bakery, butchery and coffee. Each day will be dedicated to one of these areas, with parallel competitions, masterclasses and exhibitor tastings going on throughout the day. Day one – Coffee Day two – Bakery Day three - Butchery. We guarantee loads to learn and taste!
The Spotlight Stage
Introducing the NEW 'Spotlight Stage' to IFEX 2024. This stage will play host to a three day packed programme of great content, interviews, panel debates and ‘meet the maker’ presentations and tastings.
