Food & Bev Live, one of Ireland’s leading foodservice and hospitality tradeshows, has partnered with The European Tea Society, to bring the first-ever national qualifying round of the Tea Masters Cup to the two-day event returning to the Citywest, Dublin on the 4th & 5th February 2020.
 
"The launch of the Tea Masters Cup competitions in Ireland is such an exciting development and is perfectly aligned to reflect the renaissance of tea drinking as the next big trend," comments David Veal, Executive Director of the European Tea Society.
 
"We're thrilled to be bringing this inaugural event to Food & Bev Live and shining a light on tea – one of the nation’s favourite drinks. The competition will be part of the European Tea Pavilion which will be promoting speciality teas, particularly to the younger tea drinking market.
 
“The Irish market is highly valued, and the popularity of niche and speciality teas is a growing trend across the country. Moreover, the demand for an international platform for the professional growth of tea specialists has never been greater, so we look forward to welcoming competitors to the show next February,” adds David.  
 
The Irish Tea Masters will be a unique series of competitions focusing on four different categories: tea preparation, tea pairing, tea mixology and tea tasting, with the overall winner going on to represent Ireland at the International final of the Tea Masters Cup in 2020. The competitions will take place in the European Tea Pavilion, a NEW addition to Food & Bev Live. Attracting specialist tea exhibitors, the pavilion will be home to live workshops, seminars and tea tastings running across both days of the show. 

NEW Industry Awards Scheme Launch
 
Organised by the industry for the industry, Food & Bev Live returns to the Citywest Dublin on the 4th and 5th February 2020. Continuing the event’s history of celebrating excellence, next year’s show will see the launch of the IFSA’s - The Irish Foodservice Supplier Awards.

A first of its kind in Ireland, the IFSA’s are a brand-new award scheme specifically aimed at highlighting product and service innovation within the Foodservice Industry. With six categories including best sustainable packaging product, best sustainable food product, energy efficiency innovation and supplier of the year; the awards will be judged by an independent panel, with a wealth of knowledge specific to the Industry.
 
Speaking about the launch of the awards and the importance of providing a two day show that delivers for both exhibitors and visitors, Patrick Clement, IFSA Chairman comments:
 
“Food & Bev Live is a unique event that caters to those owning, operating and working in foodservice, hospitality and leisure establishments across Ireland and Europe. As THE trade event for the sector in 2020, we are thrilled to be launching the IFSA’s at the show. Aimed at showcasing the wealth of innovation and technology which our members continually bring to market each year. Categories have been chosen to take into account innovation across all product sectors from catering equipment, disposables, tableware, services, and of course actual food and beverage products.
 
“For 2020 the theme of the inaugural IFSA’s will be – Innovation for a sustainable future- a timely focus highlighting the Industry’s response to the very real environmental crisis which we are all facing as suppliers.”
 
Entries to the awards are now open and winners will be announced on the 4th February – the first day of Food & Bev Live 2020.
 
Taking place on the 4th and 5th February 2020 at the Citywest Events Centre, Dublin, Food & Bev Live is the hospitality event of 2020 not to be missed! 

1.   Eddie, when did you win the Irish Cocktail Championships, and tell us about your winning cocktail?
I won the Irish National Cocktail Championship in 2014. My drink MollyMia was inspired by two very special young ladies’. Molly Byrne the daughter of Declan Byrne and former President of the BAI and my daughter Mia! For me the name is catchy and memorable. 
 
2.    What opportunities came your way following your win? 
Things really snowballed after the win at Food & Bev Live 2014. My profile increased immensely. I got to represent Ireland at the World Cocktail Championship in Capetown and from there I went on to win other competitions. For example, one of my creations was selected as the featured cocktail on Aer Lingus business class flight - Ireland to New York - so literally the sky is the limit!

3.    What did it feel like to be representing Ireland on the world stage at the World Cocktail Championships? 
It was a great honour - Ireland is now my home, I have been living here with my wife and daughter for over eleven years, so there was a great sense of pride to don the green jacket and win a Silver medal for Ireland. Incidentally it was only the third time in almost forty years that Ireland has won a medal at this prestigious event, so this made my win even more special.