17/04/2008

Food Show Gets High Level Support

One of the longest running food, drink and hospitality trade shows in Ireland, IFEX, is to join forces with leading food promotion agencies Taste of Ulster, Ulster Pork and Bacon Forum and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development at its forthcoming show at the King's Hall in Belfast - and is being launched by the NI Food Minister.

Running from April 29 to May 1, the event will feature exhibitions from the leading companies in the local hospitality industry as well as a series of cooking demonstrations from top chefs including Dublin-born Cathal Armstrong, who runs an award-winning restaurant in Virginia, USA.

Michael Bell, Executive Director of Northern Ireland Food & Drink Association and Taste of Ulster, is delighted to be associated with this year's show.

He said: "Taste of Ulster’s vision is to develop and celebrate excellence in local cuisine and hospitality.

"IFEX 08 is set to raise the bar again this year with a three day series of cooking demonstrations by Ulster Pork and Bacon Forum. A number of local companies will also be exhibiting at the event, under the Taste of Ulster umbrella.

"This year's event promises to celebrate the cream of local produce and culinary skills."

Keith Smyton, Chief Executive of the Ulster Pork and Bacon Forum is hosting the chef demonstrations at the exhibition.

He said: "The three day series of cookery demonstrations at IFEX 08, supported by DARD, will showcase the best of local produce and culinary skills and will represent a cauldron of excitement.

"Ulster Pork and Bacon Forum are using the IFEX platform to launch the Summer foods and BBQ range.

"A number of different recipes will be demonstrated throughout the three days, including the infamous twist creations".

The Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, Michelle Gildernew, will open IFEX 2008 at the King's Hall.

She said: "I welcome the IFEX exhibition and the opportunity it gives to local producers and processors to showcase their products to a wide range of companies in the hospitality and retail sector.

"I am really looking forward to seeing the new Artisan Producers Quarter and even lending a hand in some of the cooking. This is a great opportunity to promote the quality and range of local produce available."

See: www.ifexexhibition.co.uk

(BMcC)

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