Jean-Christophe Novelli set to sizzle at opening of IFEX 2018
IT has just been announced that multi-Michelin star award-winning chef, Jean-Christophe Novelli, is set to officially open this year’s largest food, hospitality and retail exhibition – IFEX 2018.
Taking place from the 20th – 22nd March at the Titanic Exhibition Centre, Belfast, Jean-Christophe will fly into Belfast to open the doors of IFEX and Meat@IFEX – the new sister event to IFEX.
Ahead of the April opening of his Novelli at City Quays restaurant at the AC Hotel by Marriott, Jean-Christophe will travel to IFEX to meet some of the country’s biggest food companies and artisan producers. Jean-Christophe will also meet with many of Northern Ireland’s student and industry culinarians who are taking part in ChefSkills – the competition where many of NI’s most-awarded chefs were first recognised.
Speaking ahead of opening the show, the celebrity chef added: “I am thrilled to be returning to Belfast to officially open IFEX, an event that supports the growth of the hospitality and foodservice sectors across the region. Northern Ireland is fast-becoming world-renowned for its hospitality offering, and IFEX plays such a pivotal role in the development of skills and securing future business for the 200 plus exhibitors who are participating at the show.
“I’m excited to visit the Great Taste Market, the International Street Food competition and to see chefs in action at ChefSkills. Ahead of the opening of our new restaurant, Novelli at City Quays, myself and my executive head chef Jim Mulholland also be on the lookout for new local products and suppliers.”
IFEX 2018 is bigger than ever, with the event growing in size thanks to the addition of a sister show – Meat@IFEX. This continued investment and expansion demonstrates the growing appetite for the food and hospitality sector in Northern Ireland. Meat@IFEX will host the World Butchers’ Challenge attracting hundreds of competitors and exhibitors from across the world.
Running across the three days and at the heart of IFEX is Salon Culinaire – Northern Ireland’s largest and most prestigious chef competition, including IFEX Northern Ireland Chef of the Year, which is supported by Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA).
IFEX is a melting pot for all elements of the food, drink, retail and hospitality industries. Connecting producers and suppliers to distributors, and those in the foodservice and hospitality trade.
A trade only event, IFEX 2018 is taking place from Tuesday 20th March to Thursday 22nd March at the Titanic Exhibition Centre, Belfast. The show opens daily at 10am and runs until 6pm on Tuesday and Wednesday, and to 4pm on Thursday. If you’d like to attend, simply register for your free ticket at ifexexhibition.co.uk
