We are also delighted to reveal that Neighbourhood Retailer is a media partner of IFEX 2024, along with sister publications, Licensed and Catering News and Ireland’s Forecourt and Convenience Retailer.

Aiming to highlight the country’s culinary talent, expertise and excellence, the Northern Ireland Chef of the Year contests will run alongside the new Northern Ireland Inter College Cook and Serve Challenge as part of Salon Culinaire Belfast.

Expecting more entries than ever before, the Salon Culinaire Belfast is designed to highlight and nurture Northern Ireland’s young chefs and will serve to provide a launchpad for a lucrative career in the hospitality and foodservice industry.

The Northern Ireland Chef of the Year competition is open to chefs working in Ireland and will require participants to devise a three-course menu, with an emphasis on local produce, alongside a plant based amuse bouche, to impress a panel of judges.

Also returning to Salon Culinaire Belfast this year is the popular edible art competitions where competitors will use their imagination and skills to create visually stunning exhibits from ingredients including chocolate, sugar paste, fondant or fruit and vegetables.

Commenting on the launch of the Salon Culinaire timetable, Sean Owens, Salon Director said: “Northern Ireland is home to some of the world’s top chefs who are helping to cement the wider hospitality and foodservice industry as a global leader.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing the immense amount of talent and skills that will be on offer throughout the competitions.

“The road to recovery after the impact of the pandemic has been tough for many establishments in the hospitality and foodservice industry but we’re delighted to see real signs of growth beginning to show. Celebrating the achievements of the industry, alongside the talent of our chefs will serve to encourage more and more young people to join the sector, which will help to secure its future expansion.”

Turning his attention to the upcoming competitions, Sean added: “The IFEX Salon Culinaire competitions are suitable for everyone – from students just starting out in their culinary journey to experienced chefs who are making huge waves in the industry.

“I have no doubt that we will discover a huge amount of talent at IFEX – both from established chefs and those who are yet to be uncovered. Highlighting and promoting our own, home-grown talent is what IFEX is all about.”

The Salon Culinaire competitions are now open for entry, visit: www.ifexexhibition.co.uk/salon-culinaire.

To register your attendance, visit: ifex-2024.reg.buzz and if you’re planning to exhibit, contact Lyndsey Harker by emailing: lyndsey@365-events.co.uk or call: 07946 320096.

The post Salon Culinaire returns to IFEX with over 30 competitions first appeared on Neighbourhood Retailer.

The LCN Gala Awards dinner was held on Friday 9^th June this year, with Cancer Fund for Children the chosen charity partner for the 2023 event.

Hundreds of guests enjoyed the occasion, the biggest night in the trade calendar, when hosts Sarah Travers and Tim McGarry ensured the proceedings all went smoothly at the Crowne Plaza Belfast.

Following a night which was enjoyed by all, a fantastic total of £3999 was raised for Cancer Fund for Children, with Jordana Stoney-Wilson later presented with a cheque by Bill Penton, MD of Penton Media Group and Gail Courtney of Penton Media Group.

Bill Penton said he was delighted to present this substantial amount to the charity.

“I am thrilled to donate this significant sum to this Northern Ireland charity, enabling them to support families and young people affected by cancer,” said Bill.

“We are thankful to all those who contributed at the gala awards night to this total and are already looking forward to next year’s event.”

Jordana Stoney-Wilson said the donation would have a significant positive impact for the charity.

“A huge thank you again for your continued support, we love being involved in your awards nights. It was such a fantastic evening and an excellent amount raised that will make such a huge difference to the families that we support,” she said.

“Just to put it into context, £3999 could provide 133 young people diagnosed with cancer with an individual support session in their own home helping to reduce the isolation they feel.

“From the bottom of our hearts thank you so much for helping us to be able to deliver this support and ensure that no child has to face cancer alone.”

The post Penton Media Group donates thousands to Cancer Fund for Children first appeared on Neighbourhood Retailer.