Highly Anticipated Aramark Showcase Returns to CATEX

By Dave Simpson
Highly Anticipated Aramark Showcase Returns to CATEX

One of the largest buyers in the Irish foodservice sector, Aramark, is returning to CATEX this year with the highly anticipated Aramark Producer and New Supplier Showcase, which will give participating companies an incredible opportunity to present new products and solutions to a panel of industry experts.

Following the first-round review of entries, shortlisted companies will take to the stage at CATEX to present their ideas in a bid to impress a number of Aramark judges spanning the culinary, purchasing, operations and finance sectors.

Taking place over day one and two of CATEX – which is running from 21st – 23rd February at the RDS, Simmonscourt - the ‘Dragon’s Den’ style platform will feature judges, Stephen Brennan, Supply Chain Director, Dermot Connolly, Strategic Sourcing Director, Ivor O’Connor, Culinary Development Chef, Darren Curran, Culinary Development Chef and Aoife Ryan, Avoca Food Buying Manager.

Following the presentations, the panel will choose companies that they feel best fit Aramark’s requirements, and the exciting process will then begin in terms of launching the successful products or services into the Aramark Foodservice business, supplying its network of sites in Ireland and the UK.

Redmond Fine Foods, a company that procures and markets premium food solutions based in County Kildare, took part in the Aramark Showcase in 2015. Reflecting on the experience, Director, Rocky Redmond describes the initiative as a “fantastic opportunity.”

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 “Being able to present your ideas to a panel of industry experts is a unique opportunity and taking part in the showcase has enabled us to access new markets through our partnership with Aramark, which has ultimately aided in the success of our business,” said Rocky.

Rocky adds: “The Aramark team is so supportive and takes a keen interest in the evolution of our company. I would highly recommend that other companies take part in the Aramark Showcase as this is an opportunity that you don’t want to miss out on.”

CATEX is a celebration of skills, service, excellence and innovation within the foodservice and hospitality sectors.  The Aramark Producer and New Supplier Showcase is an important feature that sits within the event, alongside the Chef Ireland competitions, the IFSAs, the National Barista championships and the Hospitality Cost clinic.

According to Stephen Brennan, Supply Chain Director at Aramark, the Aramark Showcase will help to highlight innovative, new value-added food, non-food and service products and supply companies that are the perfect fit for Aramark sites across the country.

 Stephen adds: “We know that there are many companies across Ireland that are revolutionising the foodservice and hospitality sectors, including world-class food producers and innovative, solutions-based suppliers. We want to know who they are, meet with them, and open the doors to new business from across the Aramark Group.

 “Since the Producer and New Supplier Showcase was launched back in 2015, we’re delighted at the number of companies that we’ve been introduced to and have been able to help and list within Aramark. The last few years have been challenging for the industry, however that also accelerated greater innovation, which is vital for any business and aligned to our values here at Aramark.

 “We are delighted to be returning to CATEX 2023 with the Aramark Producer and New Supplier Showcase – and are so looking forward to meeting with new talent, producers and suppliers from across the country.” 

Entries And Registration

Closing date for entries is Friday 10th February. To enter, visit: Aramark Producer and New Supplier Showcase - CATEX 2023 (catexexhibition.com).

Register your attendance for CATEX here: Register Now - CATEX 2023 (catexexhibition.com). To secure one of the remaining exhibitor spaces, contact CATEX Sales Manager, Margaret Andreucetti at [email protected]  or call 353(0) 1 846 0020.

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