“Putting a face to a name, makes it much easier to do business“

Ciara Allen, Bowfield Farm, Laois

What is CATEX?

CATEX has long been recognised as the must-attend event for foodservice and hospitality, delivering incredible value to both exhibitors and visitors, with key decision-makers in the foodservice industry. In it’s 60th year, CATEX has been at the heart of Ireland’s foodservice and hospitality industry, serving as a cornerstone event for networking, business growth, and showcasing new products and ideas. It was the first time the Midlands Ireland Food & Drink Network attended the event held at the RDS, as a collective. 11 food producers from across the Midlands Region – Laois, Offaly, Westmeath, and Longford were present. See below for the full list of Midlands exhibitors. According to Bernie Everard, the Midlands Food and Drink Network Manager “over the few days at CATEX 2025, we saw many valuable opportunities emerge, including exciting collaborative research between some of the region’s top producers”.

Making Connections

Many of the growers, notably Bowfield Farm from Borris in Ossory, County Laois, have benefitted from the networking opportunities at CATEX, even within the Midlands Ireland Food & Drink Network. A good example was on the first morning at the RDS, when Le Skinny Chef, Portlaoise, realised he could order a year long supply of basil locally. Bowfield produce a large supply of microgreens using vertical hydroponic farming and sustainable methods and it was a perfect match for the two local producers. According to Ciara Allen from Bowfield Farm; “They no longer have to rely on imports, and they were only a 20-minute drive away from our farm. He will use our basil for his delicious pesto, which will save money on transportation and allow us to work together to support one other.”

A Family Network

Ciara points out that being at CATEX with the midlands network makes it “more like a family network when you can connect with each other and help each other. We have been on our own in the past at CATEX and it makes it much easier being part of a network of producers.” Le Skinny Chef will also use her mustard seeds for another one of his products. “My biggest goal is to partner up with the bigger distributors to really get our product out there on a nationwide level. We are ready for it on a volume level, we just need the support to distribute it around the country.”

Ciara had just come from a meeting with Cisco when I met her at the RDS, and her excitement was audible as she realised the opportunities were happening all around her at the three-day event. “Meeting the people in person is so important, because we get to have the conversations, when often times an email doesn’t connect, but when you’re physically here meeting the industry heads it makes a better impact and putting a face to a name, makes it much easier to do business.”

The Midlands Food & Drink Network Manager Bernie Everard noted another exciting collaboration happening between the region’s producers; Bowfield Farm, Garryhinch Mushrooms, and Fox Covert. “The potential for upcycling, waste reduction, and circularity among these innovators is truly immense”, she said.

Being part of the Midlands Food & Drink Network Manager

Bernie Everard, who brought together the eleven producers to attend CATEX 2025 as a Midlands collective, said “it was an incredibly powerful experience for both the network and each individual producer. In just three days, not only were multiple new customers and orders secured but I also witnessed genuine support, encouragement, and creative problem-solving among the producers—that’s where the real magic happened. The Midlands Food and Drink network has truly come alive.”

The Midlands Food and Drink Network is dedicated to promoting the region’s vibrant food and drink industry, supporting local producers, and fostering connections within the wider food sector. The network aims to enhance the visibility of Midlands-based food businesses, encourage collaboration, and champion the region as a leading destination for quality food and drink. The Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan Pathway for Just Transition Programme is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the EU Just Transition Fund Programme 2021-2027.

“We’ve met so many potential buyers, distributors, exporters, it’s just been really really brilliant”

Liam Tutty, Irish Craft Soda Company

Midlands Exhibitors

• Laois:
  • Bowfield Farm – Specialising in producing a wide range of microgreens using sustainable vertical farming.
  • G’s Gourmet Jams – A family-run business creating traditional, homemade jams and preserves.
  • Le Skinny Chef – Offering gourmet sauces and condiments crafted with authentic French culinary expertise.
• Longford:
  • Goodness Grains – Producers of nutritious gluten-free baked products.
• Westmeath:
  • Magico Bakery – Renowned for its artisan bread and confectionery, made using traditional methods.
  • Good Food by Richard Anthony – Specialising in high-quality prepared foods with a focus on taste and sustainability.
  • Irish Craft Soda Company – Creators of natural, handcrafted sodas with unique, refreshing flavours.
  • Greene’s Family Farm – Experts in farm-fresh, free-range eggs
• Offaly:
  • BiaSol – Innovators in sustainable circular food solutions.
  • Garryhinch Exotic Mushrooms – Producing a variety of gourmet mushrooms grown with precision and care.
  • Fox Covert Farm – Specialising in nutritious hemp hearts and milled hemp products.