Home to some of the country’s biggest food companies, manufacturers, distributors and artisan producers, the event, organised by 365 Events Ltd, runs until this Thursday 26^th February, and over 7,000 industry professionals are expected to attend over the three days.

From NI Chef of the Year, supported by The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) and Food NI, the SCA Irish Cup Tasters Championship and the SERAC Ice Cocktail Competition, to artisan companies from across the Island exhibiting in the Great Taste Market, IFEX is the place where all of those in the food, drink and hospitality industries will be over the next few days.

Live features also include the ever-popular Chef Skills Live Theatre, supported by Department for the Economy, showcasing top culinary talent in action, and the World Skills & Wild Food Arena, combining practical skills competitions with demonstrations focused on sustainability and alternative ingredients.

Chef, Niall McKenna MBE, officially opened the show and met some of the 200 plus exhibitors who are attending the event to generate new business and contacts. Niall praised the quality of local produce and the innovation on show and welcomed the large crowds on the first day of the event.

“The foodservice and hospitality sectors are vitally important to our economy.  To see the scale and energy on display today shows just how resilient and forward-looking the sector remains,” he said.

“IFEX brings the industry together under one roof, attracting visitors from every corner of the industry – from independent operators and multi-site groups to specialist suppliers and major distributors to discover new products and explore emerging trends. At a time when the industry continues to face skills shortages, events like IFEX play an important role in showcasing talent, inspiring the next generation and helping to strengthen the pipeline of skilled professionals.

“The level of engagement and business being done here highlights the real value of face-to-face trade events for driving growth and building long-term partnerships.”

Interest in IFEX 2026 has superseded all other years, with a sold-out show and record registration figures. There are high expectations that IFEX will deliver new business for many companies in the food, hospitality and retail sectors in the months and years ahead.

IFEX opens at 10am daily and runs until Thursday 26^th February at 4pm. The trade expo is free to attend and you can register at www.ifexexhibition.co.uk

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Organised by 365 Events Ltd, IFEX 2026 marks a significant new chapter for the long-running exhibition, with organisers unveiling expanded show plans designed to reflect the evolving needs of an industry facing continued cost pressures, skills shortages and changing consumer demand.

Thousands of visitors from across Ireland are expected to attend the three-day event, which will bring together operators, buyers, chefs and suppliers under one roof.

A major headline for 2026 is the move to the Eikon Exhibition Centre, providing a larger, more accessible venue with increased exhibition space, improved visitor facilities and the capacity to grow the show’s content, features and exhibitor offering. The expanded floorplan has allowed organisers to introduce new live features alongside returning favourites, while accommodating strong exhibitor demand across food, drink, equipment and technology services.

Further reinforcing the importance of IFEX 2026 to the sector, leading restaurateur Niall McKenna will officially open the show, underlining IFEX’s role as a key meeting point for industry leaders and decision-makers at a pivotal time for hospitality and foodservice.

Industry confidence reflected in exhibitor demand

Almost 40% of exhibitors at this year’s show will be exhibiting for the first time, reflecting renewed confidence and the continued relevance of face-to-face trade events. New and emerging suppliers will exhibit alongside established industry names, offering visitors a comprehensive view of the market.

Alongside its expanded exhibition space, IFEX 2026 will introduce new live features focused on practical insight and real-world value. IFEX Kitchen Live, supported by Chef Network and sponsored by Rational UK, Food Standards Agency and Premier Foods, will debut as an interactive cooking theatre, with morning sessions centred on public sector catering and afternoon chef-led demonstrations, hosted by celebrity chef Suzi Lee.

A cornerstone of IFEX, Salon Culinaire Belfast returns in 2026 with a packed programme of live competitions. Featuring over 30 classes across three days, the Salon will once again showcase culinary talent from senior professionals through to students and emerging chefs.

With hundreds of exhibitors, IFEX 2026 is positioned as a one-stop shop for businesses looking to review suppliers, discover new products and explore solutions to operational challenges. From food and drink launches to catering equipment and energy-saving technologies, the show offers a broad snapshot of the market in one place.

“IFEX is about more than showcasing products,” said Toby Wand.

“It’s about giving businesses the tools, contacts and confidence to move forward. Whether you’re an independent operator, part of a multi-site group or working in public sector catering, IFEX is designed to deliver relevant, practical value.”

IFEX 2026 takes place from Tuesday 24^th to Thursday 26^th February at the Eikon Exhibition Centre, Lisburn, follow IFEX Exhibition on social for daily updates.

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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 24^th to 26^th 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

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