Students from Southern Regional College earned bronze medals and certificates of merit at the IFEX competition held at the Eikon Exhibition Centre from 24 to 26 February 2026. IFEX serves as Northern Ireland's main trade event for food, drink, hospitality and retail sectors. Competitors focused on sustainability by designing seasonal menus with sustainably sourced ingredients and minimising food waste.

Eva Newell from Kilkeel won a bronze medal in the Restaurant Innovation - Dessert of the Year category through her Professional Chef Level 2 Traineeship. Callum McElarney from Newry took bronze in Duck Culinary Freestyle via his Professional Cookery Level 3 Apprenticeship.

Jake Allen from Portadown received a certificate of merit in Classical Junior Chicken as part of his Professional Chef Level 2 Traineeship. Tristan McFadyen from Hamiltonsbawn also gained merit in Classical Junior Chicken under the same course.

Leon Ruddy from Bleary earned merit in Young Seafood Chef of the Year 2026 with his Professional Chef Level 2 Traineeship. Andrew McVarnock from Newry secured merit in Student Culinarian of the Year 2026 through his Professional Cookery Level 3 Apprenticeship.

Competitions included open classes without age limits and junior classes for those aged 23 and under. Michelle Moore, Curriculum Area Manager at Southern Regional College, stated the students showed professionalism, strong culinary skills, attention to detail and time management. She noted their diligent practice and praise for the lecturers' preparation efforts. Students reported positive experiences at the event.