CATEX 2027 foodservice expo runs 16–18 February at Dublin's RDS.
Dates
16–18 Feb 2027
City / country
Dublin, Ireland
Venue
RDS Simmonscourt
Time
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
Are you the organiser of this event?
Event overview
CATEX 2027 is Ireland's largest foodservice and hospitality exhibition, running 16–18 February 2027 at the RDS Simmonscourt in Dublin.
Organised by the Irish Foodservice Suppliers Alliance (IFSA), the biennial show connects more than 280 suppliers with buyers from restaurants, hotels, caterers, pubs and food retail.
Across three days, visitors can source kitchen, coffee and energy-saving equipment, watch national chef and barista competitions, and attend live demonstrations and industry networking.
TL;DR
Visit CATEX 2027 to compare kitchen, coffee, refrigeration and waste-management equipment from more than 280 suppliers in one Dublin venue. The free trade show also hosts national chef, barista and cocktail competitions, plus live demonstrations that show products in real service conditions.
Exhibit at CATEX 2027 to reach Ireland's restaurant, hotel, catering and food-retail buyers in a focused three-day window. The biennial RDS show puts suppliers in front of decision-makers with active purchasing plans, alongside national competitions and press coverage that keep foodservice innovation on the agenda.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Location & Facilities
Halls & areas
1RDS Simmonscourt, Merrion Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, D04 AK83, Ireland
Entrances & gates
Simmonscourt Pavilion main entrance
Off Merrion Road, Ballsbridge.
RDS Anglesea Road vehicle gate
Vehicle and drop-off access to the RDS grounds.
Food options
Simmonscourt venue cafés, Ballsbridge restaurants
On-site diningParking: Paid parking operates within the RDS grounds; approach via the Simmonscourt or Anglesea Road entrances and allow 15 minutes to walk to the pavilion.
Gate: Use the Simmonscourt Pavilion entrance from Merrion Road; have your free trade badge ready for scanning.
Attend
Event days & opening times
Trade visitor
Free trade registration; visitor registration opens in 2026.
Ticket info
Badge collection
Bring a business card or company email for badge collection at the Simmonscourt entrance.
Ticket notes
CATEX is a business-to-business event; free registration is required and opens in 2026.
Who runs the show
Irish Foodservice Suppliers Alliance (IFSA)
Organiser
What's on
IFSA Awards
Awards recognising innovation, technology and sustainability among foodservice suppliers, sponsored by Gas Networks Ireland in 2025.
Chef Ireland Culinary Competitions
National culinary competition with hundreds of professional and young chefs competing live.
Irish Brewers Cup
Barista competition hosted with the Speciality Coffee Association of Ireland.
Irish Cocktail Championships
Cocktail competition organised by the Bartenders Association of Ireland.
Headline Sponsors
Bunzl McLaughlin
Calor
Long-term show sponsors; Bunzl McLaughlin is named on the CATEX 2027 launch, and both sponsored the 2025 edition.
Award Sponsor
Gas Networks Ireland
Sponsored the IFSA Awards at CATEX 2025.
How the last edition performed
Last edition
2025
Visitors: 18,500
Exhibitors: 280
Edition #: 60
This edition
2027
Visitors: 19,000
Exhibitors: 285
Next edition
2029
No following edition has been announced; CATEX is biennial, so the next show after 2027 is expected in 2029.
Biennial return expected in 2029 at the RDS Simmonscourt.
Growth over time
Edition recap
CATEX 2025 marked the show’s 60th anniversary at the RDS Simmonscourt with 280 exhibitors, more than 18,500 visitors and a reported €288.68 million in attendee purchasing power.
New this edition
Aramark Producer and New Supplier Showcase
A Dragons’ Den-style competition giving food producers a chance to win a supply partnership with Aramark.
SourcePhotos
Impact
CATEX concentrates Ireland’s foodservice buying cycle into three days. The 2025 edition drew more than 18,500 trade visitors and 280 exhibitors, and organisers estimated attendee purchasing power at €288.68 million, which makes the show a high-intent marketplace rather than a general consumer fair.
Audience quality
The audience is trade-only: restaurant and hotel operators, contract caterers, distributors, wholesalers and food-retail buyers. A biennial format means visitors arrive with active projects and comparison lists, while national chef, barista and cocktail competitions add working chefs and beverage teams who specify equipment and supplies.
Exhibitor outcomes
ROI depends on stand execution, but the mix of 280 suppliers and 18,500-plus buyers gives exhibitors a dense pool of Irish decision-makers. Best results come from live equipment demos, competition sponsorships and booked meetings rather than passive stand duty; no audited ROI figure has been published.
Intelligence
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Why it matters
Ireland’s foodservice market is compact but concentrated: a few hundred suppliers and buying groups influence most restaurant, hotel and catering purchasing. CATEX brings those buyers together every two years, making it the sector’s main shop window for equipment, food, drink and sustainability solutions.
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Energy and waste costs drive equipment upgrades
Operators are prioritising efficient refrigeration, cooking and dishwashing equipment, plus waste-reduction systems that cut running costs.
What it changes: Efficiency claims need live demonstration; CATEX gives suppliers a stage to prove running-cost savings to buyers.
SourceCoffee and bar skills move to the centre of hospitality
Barista and cocktail competitions draw working beverage teams and showcase espresso, brewing and bar equipment.
What it changes: Coffee and drinks are high-margin categories, so buyers arrive ready to compare systems and supplier support.
SourceSustainability moves from claim to procurement criterion
Food producers, packaging suppliers and equipment makers are being asked to document waste, energy and sourcing performance.
What it changes: Suppliers that can evidence sustainability credentials are better placed with Irish hotel and contract-catering buyers.
SourceBuyers who work the Irish and UK foodservice calendar pair CATEX with Belfast, London and Birmingham shows.
IFEX
Belfast, United Kingdom
Biennial foodservice and hospitality show; dates are a circuit estimate, confirm with the organiser.
websiteFood & Drink Expo
Birmingham, United Kingdom
UK food and drink sourcing show; dates are a circuit estimate, confirm with the organiser.
websiteHRC
London, United Kingdom
Major UK hospitality and foodservice equipment show; dates are a circuit estimate, confirm with the organiser.
websiteEarly bird
March 2026 Belfast date sits ahead of CATEX planning.
Circuit dates are editorial planning estimates, not fetched organiser calendars.
Plan your trip
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Main international gateway; taxis and coach transfers serve Ballsbridge.
10 km
to venue
20–35 min
by car
Useful for south-west Ireland visitors; train or coach onward to Dublin.
260 km
to venue
2 h 40 min
by car
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
USD 120–170 / night
20–30 minutes by bus or taxi to the RDS; book early for February.
USD 180–260 / night
Walking distance to Simmonscourt; best choice for a short show trip.
USD 300–450 / night
Five-star options with meeting space and easy taxi access to the RDS.
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Dublin Bus
Frequent service from city centre; allow 25–35 minutes in morning traffic.
DART
10–15 minute walk from either station to the Simmonscourt Pavilion.
Taxi
Metered taxi; 25–40 minutes depending on traffic.
Plan your trip
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
| Type | Who needs it | Fee | Processing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short Stay Visa (C) | Visa-required nationals travelling for business meetings or a trade show | — | About 15 working days |
Irish, EU/EEA, UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand passport holders normally do not need a visa for a short business visit. Check the Irish Immigration Service before booking.
Ireland accepts ATA carnets for temporary admission of professional equipment; confirm the procedure with Irish customs and your freight forwarder.
Official visa pageWeather
February is cool and changeable: daytime highs of about 8–10°C, lows of 3–4°C, with frequent rain and wind. Pack a waterproof jacket and layers.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Irish SIMs and eSIMs are widely available at Dublin Airport; venue Wi-Fi is typically available but mobile data is the safer backup for lead capture.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Pub etiquette
Table service is common in Dublin restaurants, but many pubs expect you to order at the bar. Tipping around 10% is normal for table service.
Business pace
Dublin meetings are friendly and relatively informal; confirm timings by email and allow extra time for traffic around Ballsbridge.
Practical guides
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Destination: Dublin Airport (DUB)
Book February flights early; half-term and rugby fixtures can tighten Dublin hotel and air capacity.
Book flightsMany EU, UK, US and Canadian visitors do not need a visa for a short business visit; visa-required nationals should apply for a Short Stay Visa well ahead.
Estimated cost: €60–€100
Processing: About 15 working days
Carry a letter confirming your role and the show dates.
OfficialGet to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Dublin Airport to RDS Simmonscourt is 10 km; taxi 25–40 minutes, or coach to the city centre then bus/DART.
Hotel → venue: Ballsbridge hotels are a 5–15 minute walk; city-centre hotels are 20–30 minutes by bus or taxi.
Ride-hail: Free Now and Uber operate in Dublin; pick-up and drop-off at the RDS Merrion Road entrance.
Public transit: Dublin Bus routes 4, 7 and 39A serve Ballsbridge; DART to Sandymount or Lansdowne Road.
Parking: Paid parking is available in the RDS grounds; pre-book where possible.
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: February
Temperature: 3–10°C
Seasonality: Rain is likely most days; February is one of the cooler, windier months.
Packing: Waterproof jacket, warm layers and comfortable walking shoes for the hall and Ballsbridge walks.
Plan your trip
Best day to visit: Tuesday 16 February 2027
Opening day has the freshest product launches and the best chance to catch senior supplier staff before schedules fill; arrive at 10:00 and book meetings first.
Register for a free trade badge — Registration opens in 2026; use your company email.
Book flights and Ballsbridge hotel — February prices rise closer to the date.
Shortlist exhibitors and book meetings — Use the online exhibitor list once published.
Check the programme and travel route — Plan around Chef Ireland and barista competition times.
Pack badge, business cards and charger — Travel to Dublin the day before if coming from outside Ireland.
Registration and badge collection
Simmonscourt Pavilion entranceSupplier meetings on kitchen and refrigeration stands
Simmonscourt PavilionChef Ireland competition viewing
Live competition stageCoffee and bar equipment demos and follow-up meetings
Beverage zoneNotes, lead review and travel plan
Venue caféTrinity College and the Book of Kells
Culture
20 minutes by taxi from Ballsbridge
Historic university campus and the famous illuminated manuscript.
Howth coastal walk
Outdoors
35 minutes by DART
Sea views, fishing harbour and seafood lunch outside the show.
The Bridge 1859
Pub
Ballsbridge pub convenient for post-show meetings.
The Shelbourne Bar
Hotel bar
Central Dublin setting for quieter business conversations.
CATEX is biennial, so follow-up must convert while the February conversations are fresh; exhibitors should agree a 48-hour contact SLA before the show.
Budget
Shell scheme
EUR 110–160 / m²
Raw space
EUR 320–420 / m²
Standard booth
9 m²
No 2027 stand tariff was printed on a fetched page; figures are planning estimates based on the official ratecard reference and Dublin market rates.
sourceAdjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
Shell scheme stand
exhibitor · 9 sqm
EUR 990–1440 / per stand
Raw space
exhibitor · 36 sqm
EUR 11520–15120 / per stand
Hotel
visitor · mid
USD 180–260 / per night
Per diem
both · standard
USD 55–80 / per day
Travel insurance
both · standard
USD 40–120 / per trip
Freight
exhibitor · pallet
EUR 350–900 / per shipment
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shell scheme stand | exhibitor | 9 sqm | EUR 990–1440 / per stand | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| Raw space | exhibitor | 36 sqm | EUR 11520–15120 / per stand | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| Hotel | visitor | mid | USD 180–260 / per night | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| Per diem | both | standard | USD 55–80 / per day | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| Travel insurance | both | standard | USD 40–120 / per trip | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| Freight | exhibitor | pallet | EUR 350–900 / per shipment | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
Decision
Six quick questions to decide whether CATEX 2027 is a visit, an exhibit opportunity, or one to skip.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your budget for CATEX 2027?
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
You have active sourcing needs and can attend at least a full day.
Best for
Restaurant, hotel and catering buyers sourcing equipment or food
Min. budget
$500.00
Timeline
Book 4–6 weeks out
Risks
February travel and hotel prices
Crowded competition slots
exhibit
You have a product launch or distributor recruitment goal in Ireland.
Best for
Suppliers targeting Irish foodservice decision-makers
Min. budget
$5,000.00
Timeline
Book stand 6–9 months out
Risks
Stand costs rise for custom builds
Lead follow-up can slip without an owner
skip
You are not in foodservice, hospitality or a related supply business.
Best for
Consumer visitors or anyone without a foodservice role
Timeline
None
Risks
Missing competitor intel
Missing national competitions
Book with
RDS Simmonscourt
The Royal Dublin Society complex in Ballsbridge hosts CATEX 2027 in the Simmonscourt Pavilion.
Venue named on the official CATEX 2027 site.
Fáilte Ireland
Ireland’s national tourism development authority supports business tourism and visitor services in Dublin.
Public body relevant to international visitors; not a confirmed show sponsor.
Dublin Chamber
Dublin’s business chamber connects companies across the capital and supports trade events.
Public business body; not a confirmed show sponsor.
Irish Foodservice Suppliers Alliance (IFSA)
IFSA organises CATEX and represents suppliers serving Ireland’s foodservice and hospitality sector.
Organiser named on the official site.
Recommended providers
Check visa requirements and processing times before booking.
Walking distance to the RDS Simmonscourt.
Direct flights to Dublin from the UK, Europe and North America.
Freight forwarding and exhibition logistics support.
Travel and business insurance options for visitors and exhibitors.
Official Dublin visitor guide for Book of Kells, coastal walks and city tours.
Badge and lead-capture options; confirm organiser scanner first.
FAQs & glossary
Frequently asked
Glossary
Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
5 more alternate names hidden
Trust footer
3
References
3
Publishers
3
Date checked
CATEX / IFSA
Hospitality Ireland
CATEX 2027 on LinkedIn
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.
