The Alltech International Craft Brews and Food Fair returns to Dublin’s Convention Centre next February 2014.

Due to the phenomenal success of the inaugural and special event held in July of this year, another gathering of trade exhibitors, food pairing experts, world-renowned beer judges and international trade professionals will come together for three days of learning, networking and entertainment.

Focusing on the needs and trends in the craft brewing and distilling industry, the fair is aimed at brewing and distilling enthusiasts and professionals.

Trade professionals will examine the latest trends in brewing and distilling and explore how distillers, brewers and craft beers resellers can best profit from them. The Alltech fair presents an enormous opportunity to connect with as many as 50 international craft breweries and distilleries, network with buyers and resellers from around the world and showcase beverages to the public.

It will also feature a full programme of educational talks and demonstrations that will cover many facets of craft brewing and distilling. Restaurateurs are learning about pairing their dishes with craft beers and spirits. To give brewers and distillers that extra edge, the fair will also feature The Pair and Taste Pavilion where experts in the field will demonstrate how to effectively pair a beer or spirit with various foods.

Also returning this year is the Dublin Craft Beer & Spirit Cup competition, where craft beverages will be pitted against each other across seven different categories, with local breweries and distilleries competing head to head with their global competitors. Entries will be sorted into their respective categories and a winner will be chosen by a panel of judges from the industry.

According to Dr Pearse Lyons, Alltech founder: “I began my career in brewing and distilling and it has remained a passion of mine ever since. Despite spending the previous 30 years in the animal nutrition industry I never strayed far from brewing and distilling, founding my company on yeast technology and eventually opening a joint brewery and distillery in Alltech’s home of Lexington, Kentucky. Today, our industry is in need of assistance and education, especially in the areas of quality control, the brewing process itself, and in the ability to produce a beer that has transportability.

“The Alltech International Craft Brews and Food Fair is designed to gather brewers and distillers from all levels across the world, in Dublin, to hone their craft and network with each other. It has always been a dream of mine to host an international meet up of brewers and distillers and where better to host such an event than in Dublin, Ireland.”

Pictured Sabine O’Dwyer, Caoimhe Ni Mhuilleoir, Caoimhe Gleeson and Robin Prendergast, pictured at the launch of the Alltech International Craft brews & food fair at Ely Grand Canal in Dublin last night.