News / Press
What A Show! CATEX 2011 In Review
What A Show! CATEX 2011 In Review
A RECORD number of visitors from the foodservice, hospitality and on trade sectors attended this year’s CATEX, sponsored by Bunzl and Calor (8-10 Feb 2011). Over 9,000 visitors flocked through of the doors of the new look show to do business with the 200 plus exhibitors. Reporting significant sales and leads, initial exhibitor feedback has been excellent, coupled with the visitor exit poll indicating that the show’s complex mix of innovative products, informative seminars and world-class competitions was a winning combination.
Taking home the title of Irish Bartender of the Year, support by Edward Dillion & Co., on opening day was Pat Thomas, a bartender at LOST in South Wicklow Street Dublin, with his ‘Guncotton Mark 11’ winning cocktail. Pat will now be representing Ireland at the World Cocktail Competition in Warsaw later on this year. On the final day of CATEX, Vicky Fitzhenry stirred it up to be named Avonmore Irish Barista of the Year. Competing against 40 baristas, the standard was extremely high with all competitors demonstrating passion and excellence in coffee. The Irish Barista Championship will now be heading to Colombia to compete at the World Barista Championships in June 2011. Current 2nd in the World Cupping 2010, David Walsh from Marco Beverage Systems won the second major barista prize to be crowned Irish Cupping Champion.
The sought after title of ‘Restaurant of Nations’, sponsored by Stephen’s Catering and Calor Gas, was picked up by the exemplary Team Italy who excelled with their innovative menu and culinary displays. Coming in a close second was the well-respected Team Canada and Ireland, following scooping the title in 2009, was placed third. The six competing teams catered for 420 lucky diners over the three days and all of the teams are to be congratulated for their efforts, flair and skill.











