Salon Culinaire returns to IFEX with over 30 live competitions
As the highly anticipated Salon Culinaire prepares to return to IFEX 2026, the search is officially underway to find Northern Ireland’s Chef of the Year 2026, who will be crowned during the three-day event taking place at the Eikon Exhibition Centre, Lisburn, from 24th to 26th February 2026.
A flagship feature of IFEX, Salon Culinaire Belfast will once again bring the energy and excitement of live culinary competition to the show floor, showcasing the very best of local talent, innovation and technical excellence.
With more than 30 competitions taking place across the programme, the event is set to be a major celebration of skill across all areas of the hospitality industry.
The NI Chef of the Year competition remains the most prestigious accolade of Salon Culinaire Belfast and, for 2026, places a renewed emphasis on high-calibre, senior chefs currently working at the top level of the industry. Open to experienced professionals from restaurants, hotels and hospitality venues across Northern Ireland, the competition is designed to challenge chefs who are already leading kitchens and setting standards, reflecting the depth and quality of culinary talent across the region.
Running alongside the headline competitions, Salon Culinaire Belfast will also host a programme of student and junior classes, including Student Culinarian of the Year 2026, providing a vital platform for emerging talent and supporting the development of the next generation of industry professionals.
Also new for 2026 is the introduction of the All-Ireland Young Pastry Chef of the Year – the ‘Tim Andrew Trophy’, sponsored by Andrew Ingredients. This new award celebrates excellence in patisserie, recognising creativity, precision and artistry and giving rising pastry chefs their moment to shine on a national stage.
Returning by popular demand, the Edible Art competitions will form a visually striking feature of Salon Culinaire Belfast, featuring static exhibits made from chocolate, sugar paste, fondant and fruit and vegetables. These classes showcase competitors’ skill and creativity in a dedicated display area.
Commenting on the launch of Salon Culinaire Belfast 2026, Sean Owens, Salon Director said: “We are delighted to bring IFEX and Salon Culinaire to their new home at the Eikon Exhibition Centre for 2026. This year marks an important moment for our industry.
‘We are delighted to bring IFEX and Salon Culinaire to their new home at the Eikon Exhibition Centre for 2026’
“The skills gap is widening, and now more than ever it is vital that we champion excellence, invest in talent and showcase the remarkable ability within Northern Ireland’s hospitality sector to compete on a global stage.
“The Northern Ireland Chef of the Year competition is the pinnacle of Salon Culinaire, and for 2026 we are calling on senior, high-calibre chefs who are leading kitchens across the region to step forward and compete. We want this title to truly reflect the strength, experience and professionalism of chefs working at the highest level of the industry today.
“Salon Culinaire remains the leading stage where chefs, students and hospitality professionals come to benchmark their skills against the International Standard for Excellence. We take great pride in seeing former competitors now leading kitchens, earning Michelin stars and achieving global recognition, clear proof that the talent developed here is world-class.”
With classes catering for a wide range of skill levels, experience and sectors, ChefSkills Live Theatre at IFEX provides a unique opportunity for chefs to benchmark their abilities against international standards and demonstrate culinary mastery in a live environment.
Backed by industry support, Salon Culinaire 2026 is supported by Stephens Catering Equipment, Andrew Ingredients, Renshaw, Sysco, Riso Gallo, Keenan Seafood, Culinary Ability Awards and TUGO. Entries are now officially open, for more information and to enter, visit www.ifexexhibition.co.uk/salon-culinaire
IFEX 2026, Northern Ireland’s flagship foodservice, hospitality and retail trade event, takes place from 24th to 26th February 2026 at its new home, the Eikon Exhibition Centre, Lisburn. Across three days, the show will feature an expanded exhibition floor, live competitions, interactive cooking theatres, new product launches and hands-on demonstrations.
With new features alongside returning favourites like Salon Culinaire, IFEX is the essential meeting place to source suppliers, discover innovation, and connect with industry leaders shaping the future of the sector. Registration is free and now open www.ifexexhibition.com
