Sustainable products and innovative services took the spotlight on the opening day of CATEX, supported by Calor and Bunzl McLaughlin, Ireland’s largest foodservice and hospitality event.
Taking place at the RDS, Simmonscourt, the Irish Foodservice Supplier Awards (IFSA Awards) – themed around ‘Environmental Sustainability and the Circular Economy’ – showcase the latest advancements that are helping to shape a greener, more efficient future for the sector.
Established by the Irish Foodservice Suppliers Alliance (IFSA), and sponsored by Gas Networks Ireland, the awards celebrate products and services introduced to the market since December 2023, spanning categories that reflect the industry’s dedication to environmental responsibility and cutting-edge innovation, including carbon emissions reduction, food waste minimisation, the elimination of single-use plastics, and water management. Entrants were required to demonstrate how their products and services actively reduce environmental impact in line with government and climate regulations, showcasing the industry’s ongoing commitment to a greener future.
The IFSA Award winners were:
- Best Environmentally Sustainable Food Product – Eat Trout for Hot Smoked Fillets
- Best Environmentally Sustainable Packaging Product – Essity Ireland Ltd for Tork OptiServe Coreless Toilet Paper System
- Best Technology-Led Foodservice Innovation – Front/Back of House – CBE for CBE Innova
- Environmental Sustainability / Energy Efficiency Innovation in Heavy Catering Equipment – Rational UK for the Rational iHexagon
- Environmental Sustainability / Energy Efficiency Innovation in Light Catering Equipment – Marco Beverage Systems for MilkPal
- National Foodservice Supplier of the Year– BWG Foodservice
- Local / Direct Foodservice Supplier of the Year– Grove Dairy Ltd.
Congratulating the winners, Gas Networks Ireland’s Commercial and Residential Connections Manager, Antony Lynch said, “Many congratulations to the winners of the IFSA Awards 2025. The awards not only celebrate excellence but also champion the innovative and sustainable practices that are shaping the future of the hospitality industry. The theme of this year’s awards ‘Environmental Sustainability and the Circular Economy’ aligns with what we at Gas Networks Ireland are striving to achieve with our pathway to a net zero carbon gas network as we transition to a cleaner energy future. We are delighted that these forward-thinking companies are being recognised.”
The winners were announced on day one of CATEX and overseen by an independent, expert panel of judges with a wealth of experience. Judges included Maurice J. Bergin, FIHI MSc, Managing Director at GreenHospitality.ie & GreenTravel.ie; Tony McGuigan, Head of Procurement and F&B Projects at Dalata Hotel Group PLC; Niall Hill, Head of Food for the Island of Ireland at Sodexo Ireland; Guillaume Oates, Managing Consultant at GFD Associates; and Keith Warren, Former Director of Catering Equipment Suppliers Association UK.
The assessment process for the awards involved a preliminary judging process and culminated in a Dragon’s Den session at the RDS with industry nominated candidates for the National and Local/Direct Foodservice Supplier of the Year battling it out via an industry wide vote.
With sustainability at the heart of the conversation, CATEX 2025 continues to provide an essential platform for businesses to explore the latest trends, connect with industry leaders, and discover game-changing products that will shape the future of foodservice and hospitality. CATEX continues at the RDS, Simmonscourt until Thursday 20th February with doors opening at 10am and shortlisted and winning entries will be on display at the IFSA Stand throughout the event.
For more information on IFSA and the IFSA Awards, visit www.catexexhibition.com/the-ifsas/
