Despite the dramatically changed market landscape of the last five years, food service in Ireland is still a big industry accounting for €6 billion at consumer prices.
This, in turn, equates to €1.8 billion at operator purchasing prices, which is a massive market opportunity for suppliers to the sector.
Catex 2013, which kicks off in the RDS tomorrow, is a showcase of all things good in the Irish foodservices sector.
More than 9,000 people are expected to attend the three-day event, with the exhibitor list reading like a veritable who’s who in the catering industry.
Learn from the best
Fresh for 2013 will be an Artisan Food Market and the Foodservice Heroes Stage where visitors can learn from the best in the business.
Leading names in the food industry, including Darina Allen, Domini Kemp and Dylan McGrath, are among those lined up to offer culinary business advice to attendees.
“There is a growing sense of optimism in the food service sector and Catex 2013 will be a celebration of all that is good about our sector,” according to Julie Morrissey, chairwoman of the Irish Foodservice Suppliers Alliance, “but also a crucial opportunity for suppliers to our industry to demonstrate innovations, to develop business opportunities and gain valuable insights from the experts in our sector.”
Sponsorship on the up at Croke Park summit
Sponsorship is fast climbing the ranks of important marketing tools and enduring value during tough economic times.
Investment in sponsorship continues to be popular and the Irish Sponsorship Summit, which takes place in Croke Park this Thursday, is the place to be for those looking to forge new connections or gain knowledge to capitalise on the sponsorship market.
The event will explore the challenge of how sponsorship investments can get the edge that is required to stand out and deliver results.
Key themes
It will bring together more than 250 sponsorship and marketing professionals to explore two key themes – “optimising social and digital media” and “impactful activation strategies”.
The IRFU’s marketing director Pádraig Power, Irish Olympic Committee chief executive Stephen Martin, athlete Deirdre Ryan and IEG co-founder Lesa Ukman will be among the speakers.
Speakers from leading brands, including Bulmers, Lucozade, Google and Today FM, will also address event goers.
