CATEX Announces Return as Trade Fairs Set to Re-Open
Ireland’s longest established foodservice & hospitality event to set to be one of the first trade expo to open doors following easing of restrictions
Following 523 days of forced closure for exhibition and trade fair organisers, CATEX – Ireland’s largest foodservice trade event – is returning to the RDS Simmonscourt, Dublin, in November 2021 – following the unveiling of Taoiseach Micheál Martin’s roadmap, announced on 31 August 2021.
Owned by the Irish Foodservice Suppliers Alliance (IFSA) and organised by Eventhaus, CATEX, taking place from the 2nd to 4th November, is thought to be one of the first business-to-business trade event to open its doors, following the postponement of the original February dates earlier this year. For event organisers, Eventhaus, this will be the team’s first event in 20 months and is a much-awaited return to exhibitions and trade fairs, safely.
Widely regarded as one of Ireland’s longest-standing trade exhibitions where foodservice and hospitality’s biggest players and membership organisations all come under one roof, CATEX is expected to be the first trade event to run following the removal of restrictions from the 22nd October, with no limits on capacity or requirement for social distancing.
Organisers are confident that CATEX will demonstrate how business-to-business trade fairs can operate safely and effectively, whilst still driving new business to exhibitors and showcasing the latest products and services to visitors.
“For over 50 years CATEX has been the cornerstone expo for the foodservice, catering, and hospitality industries in Ireland. Needed more than ever before CATEX is crucial for galvanising the industry and driving new business for exhibitors,” comments Patrick Clement, Chair, IFSA.
IFSA, in association with Eventhaus, are incredibly thankful to the committed exhibitors who will be at CATEX in November, demonstrating their support for the industry and a willingness to get back to business. Exhibitors, including Bewleys, Bunzl, Sysco Ireland, Ferrero and UCC Coffee are confirmed and will sit alongside Irish companies including Flahavans, Ballymaloe Barrys, Glenilen and Clonakilty who are taking part in The Irish Village at CATEX.
Welcoming the return of trade fairs and exhibitions, Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation, Robert Troy TD said:
“The past 18-months have demonstrated the remarkable resilience and determination of the trade fair and exhibition sector who at every opportunity were willing to engage with Government as we responded to the evolving public health situation.
“Trade exhibitions provide a platform for businesses to meet and collaborate, creating opportunities for businesses both large and small to grow and expand their market reach. It is critically important for businesses, particularly our SMEs, to have a location where they can trade, display new products, be inspired, and share their knowledge. Trade exhibitions and fairs are ideal fora for this – they have a proven track record in this regard, and I have no doubt they will continue to into the future. I look forward to participating in many trade events over the next year.”
CATEX, taking place from the 2nd to 4th November at the RDS Simmonscourt, is an IFSA event, organised by Eventhaus, and the forthcoming exhibition will be operating in line with all public health guidelines.
For further information on CATEX, see https://www.catexexhibition.com/ or contact Eventhaus on 01 846 0020
