Food Fair Passes 'Taste Test'

One of the biggest international food, drink, hospitality and retail exhibition showcases has been enjoying success this week in Belfast.

Officially opened by Michelle Gildernew, the Stormont Agriculture Minister, some of the country's biggest companies, brands, artisan producers and rising stars from the culinary world have been exhibiting at the International Food Expo, IFEX at the King's Hall.

Yesterday, the Minister for Employment and Learning, Sir Reg Empey, joined in the praise, meeting competitors at IFEX ChefSkill 2010, Northern Ireland's leading culinary competition.

Sir Reg (pictured) was given the opportunity to watch the various competitions taking place, including Chef of the Year, Junior Chef of the Year, and a new Restaurant Service competition, and to participate in a 'Hell's Kitchen' type of restaurant experience which saw young chefs and food service students cook and serve up to 50 invited guests.

The Minister said: "I welcome the opportunity to support this high profile competition and to see Northern Ireland's most talented young chefs and catering students compete for an array of medals and awards, including the coveted Chef and Junior Chef of the Year titles."

He said that IFEX ChefSkill 2010 is officially recognized as one of a number of UK wide competitions which will identify potential candidates to compete for a place on Team UK in the Cookery and Restaurant Services competitions in WorldSkills London 2011.

"It would be great to see one of our talented students go on to win a medal at WorldSkills London in 2011, proving that we have what it takes to provide world class hospitality," he concluded.

His praise came just days after the opening of the exhibition, when Minister Gildernew highlighted the quality of local produce on show.

"The agri-food industry has a unique product to offer - wholesome, fully traceable, high quality food which meets the high expectations and demands of today's consumers.

"IFEX is an important platform for local companies to get that message out there and I am proud of the role my Department plays in assisting them to be more competitive," she said, as she toured a comprehensive range of local and international products and services from across the food industry on display.

The Minister visited the Food NI stand where she sampled local fayre provided by the members of the Ulster Pork and Bacon Forum and local potato processor Mash Direct.

IFEX 2010 is a trade show at the King's Hall, and will close later today, Thursday, 25th March.

(BMcC/GK)