“Absolutely superb!” That’s how Alastair Bell of Portrush based business 'Irish Black Butter' described Showcase Ireland and CATEX events in Dublin.
Since it’s inception in 2017 Irish Black Butter has sought to ‘spread a little happiness’ across the island of Ireland and further afield.
“We have been seeking to explore more international markets and develop new relationships with face to face meetings,” said Alastair, who has been availing of support from Invest NI and the Department for International Trade. The opportunity to progress that aim was afforded through attendance at both high profile Dublin events.
Showcase is one of Ireland’s largest international trade shows offering an extensive range of unique products from home and gift, jewellery, fashion, accessories and food. It is anexceptional opportunity to discover brands and chat with emerging businesses.
Over 4000 buyers were expected at this year’s event coming from across the world, including Ireland, UK, USA, Europe and the USA. For Alastair these were key development targets.
“It was amazing to encounter such a diverse and enthusiastic range of buyers from across the World including Japan. We received new orders from Ireland and potential orders from the USA, France, Spain and Belgium. It was also nice to reconnect and meet existing customers from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. We have also had further contacts from businesses who we hadn’t got the chance to speak with at Showcase.”
Following on from Showcase Ireland Alastair turned the attention of Irish Black Butter to hospitality and catering taking a stand at CATEX at RDS Simmonscourt. CATEX is Ireland’s largest food service and hospitality event. Established in 1965 it has established a firm reputation as the go to show in Ireland for hospitality and foodservice businesses.
After enjoying a highly successful IFEX in Belfast in 2022 it was a natural progression to participate in CATEX.
“Irish Black Butter is so much more than a retail and gift product. It is also a unique local ingredient for Chefs and food service to add flavourand transform dishes,” said Alastair, who went on to outline how the business was developing strategic partnerships with food service partners who currently include La Rousse Foods and Henderson Foodservice.
A key dimension of the event was, networking and collaboration with partners at the Show to introduce and reinforce supply chains for Irish Black Butter.
“We were delighted to see great use being made of Irish Black Butter by Geoff Baird on the Henderson Foodservice stand. This helped potential customers to realize some of the myriad ways they can use the product,” said Alastair.
Through attending CATEX the business has opened up new clients, referred potential customers and had the opportunity to meet existing customers and build upon those relationships.
“It’s all part of the bigger aim to spread a little happiness,” said Alastair. “We want people near and far to enjoy and share the experience of food created, enhanced and transformed by Irish Black Butter – a great taste from Ireland.”