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Showcase® – Ireland’s International Creative Expo® opens at the RDS

Posted 19.01.2025
Press Releases

Sunday, 19th January 2025: Peter Burke TD, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employmentofficially opened Showcase® – Ireland’s International Creative Expo® at the RDS, Dublin today, highlighting how important trade shows such as Showcase are to the design and crafts sector. This year is the 50th year of the establishment of Showcase, one of Ireland’s largest international trade shows that offers manufacturers, designers, and craft makers the opportunity to exhibit their new collections. Showcase 2025 will welcome almost 400 exhibitors and more than 4,500 buyers from Ireland and overseas. Upwards of €25 million in sales orders is expected to be transacted over the three days, with even more anticipated to be generated throughout the year due to the event.

 

Showcase is a key destination for domestic and international buyers and a milestone event in exhibitors’ calendars. Almost 400 exhibitors will show their latest collections across four product categories – home and gift, wellbeing, fashion, and jewellery. Sustainability, responsible retail, independent retailers, and sector development continue to be significant pillars of this year’s event.

 

Showcase was established in 1976 by Design & Crafts Council Ireland and began life as the National Crafts Fair. Over the past 50 years, it has grown from a show for domestic buyers alone to a show for buyers from 27 countries. This year, Showcase expects to welcome over 4,500 visitors, including many who return year on year.

 

Speaking at the official opening of the event were Mary Palmer, Chair of Showcase Ireland; Peter Hynes, Chair of Design & Crafts Council Ireland; Michael Carey, Chair, Enterprise Ireland and Tom Rooney, Head of Craft & Design, Local Enterprise Office (LEO).

 

Peter Burke TD, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, said“I’m delighted to open Showcase 2025, marking the 50th year of this incredible event. Over the past five decades, Showcase has become a cornerstone of Ireland’s craft and design sector, offering a vital platform for our makers to showcase their exceptional talents. This milestone celebrates the ingenuity and craftsmanship that Ireland is known for, and it is fantastic to see such a diverse international audience gathered here today. Showcase provides invaluable opportunities to elevate Ireland’s reputation in the global creative industries and with a global market. Many of the talented craftspeople exhibiting here today are based in rural communities, and my department remains committed to supporting the growth of this sector in these areas across Ireland and further afield. Craft plays a vital role in Ireland’s economy and cultural identity, and I look forward to seeing what the next 50 years will bring for Irish makers.”

 

Winners of the annual Showcase Awards at Showcase – Ireland’s Creative Expo® were announced and presented to the recipients by Mary Palmer, Chair of Showcase and Mary Blanchfield, Interim CEO, Design & Crafts Council Ireland later in the day. The winners were chosen by a panel of industry experts including Mary Palmer, Chair of Showcase; Mary Blanchfield, Interim CEO, Design & Crafts Council Ireland and Sarah Mallon, Programme Manager, Local Enterprise Office.

 

The winner of the Showcase overall Best Product Award is Aeris Duo by Kopper Kreations Ltd from Dublin

Best Product Category Winners:

  • Showcase Best Product – FASHION: Jennifer Rothwell, Ladies 100% Silk Kimono
  • Showcase Best Product – HOME: Jerpoint Glass Studio Ltd, Oil / Dressing Bottle
  • Showcase Best Product – GIFT: Badly Made Books, Agus Arís – linen notebook
  • Showcase Best Product – JEWELLERY: Scribble & Stone, Ocean Triangle Studs
  • Showcase Best Product – WELLNESS: Naturally Balanced Kinsale, Maintain Body Oil

 

Other Showcase Award Winners:

  • Local Enterprise Office Award – WASI, seaweed soap
  • Sustainability Award – Outcrop Ltd, “Local Spots”, round landscape maps

 

Mary Palmer, Chair of Showcase, said: “As we celebrate the 50th year of Showcase, we reflect on the incredible journey this event has taken, becoming a pivotal platform for Irish makers to present their exceptional work to both domestic and international buyers. Over the years, Showcase has helped elevate Irish craft and design, offering creators the chance to share their unique products with a global audience. Congratulations to all the Showcase Award winners. This is a testament to the depth and breadth of the exhibitors participating this year, as well as the exceptional quality of those acknowledged through the various awards presented today.”

 

Mary Blanchfield, Interim CEO of Design & Crafts Council Ireland commented Celebrating 50 years is a momentous occasion and a milestone for Showcase, which has evolved into a cornerstone international trade promotion event for the craft and design sector. This year, we’re delighted to welcome almost 400 exhibitors, presenting a diverse range of high-quality products and collections. With over 4,500 buyers expected to attend from around the world, Showcase provides craftspeople with invaluable opportunities to grow their businesses at the very start of the year. The craft and design sector is a vital part of the Irish economy, representing the 10th largest employment sector and playing a significant role in ‘Brand Ireland’ on the global stage. DCCI is immensely proud of all its makers involved, and I want to thank the team at Design & Crafts Council Ireland for their hard work in bringing Showcase 2025 to life. We also extend our gratitude to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and our partners—Enterprise Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices. Together, we celebrate Irish creativity, innovation, and authenticity, which keep buyers returning to the show year after year.”

 

The opening day launched with The Circle – a dynamic event which fused the fashion and design of Showcase makers and reflects the joy, vibrancy and community created at Showcase over 50 years. The piece was styled by Aisling Farinella and inspired by the fundamental relationship of the material and the product, championing the maker and sustainable practice. The event centered on design and domesticity, craft and community; themes that are intrinsic to Showcase and that reflect the stories and origin behind the makers and products at the show.

 

Showcase is promoted internationally by Enterprise Ireland through its network of overseas offices. Speaking ahead of the opening event, Karen Conroy, Senior Development Adviser, Consumer and International Education at Enterprise Ireland said: “Showcase 2025 marks a key moment as we celebrate 50 years of this iconic event, which continues to serve as a powerful platform for Irish creators to connect with international buyers and expand their global reach. Enterprise Ireland is proud to support this dynamic sector, which saw impressive growth in 2024. With almost 100 international buyers from key markets such as the USA, UK, Germany, France, the Middle East and beyond, Showcase 2025 reaffirms Ireland’s standing as a global leader in design and craft innovation. We look forward to further supporting our clients as they continue to make their mark in international markets.”

 

Showcase is becoming even more important for Ireland’s micro enterprises and new start-ups, according to Tom Rooney, Head of Craft and Design, Local Enterprise Office said: “As we celebrate 50 years of Showcase, it is a proud moment for Ireland’s craft and design community. Local Enterprise Offices continue to play a crucial role in supporting the growth and development of micro-enterprises and start-ups. The innovative spirit and creativity of Irish makers are on full display at this year’s event, providing a unique opportunity for small businesses to connect with international buyers and expand their networks. For many small businesses, meeting just one key buyer at this event can be the turning point, helping to secure orders for the year ahead. We’ve worked closely with our clients to ensure they make the most of this incredible opportunity.”

 

Showcase was founded in 1976 by Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI) and is delivered with support from Enterprise Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices. Showcase 2024 runs from Sunday 19th January to Tuesday 21st January and is for trade attendance only. For further details on the event or to register to attend, please visit www.showcaseireland.com.

 

For further details on the event please visit www.showcaseireland.com.

 

ENDS

For more information, please contact Eimear Harding, Communications and Public Affairs Manager, DCCI, [email protected]

 

For further press information please contact Emma Kelly, Claire Feely, Oonagh Cahill, Laura Daly or Katie O’Reilly at Elevate PR, 01 662 5652 or email [email protected]  

 

About Showcase

Showcase – Ireland’s Creative Expo® is one of the country’s largest international trade shows.  The annual event is attended by thousands of buyers from across the world, including Ireland, the UK, USA, Mainland Europe, Asia, and Africa generating millions of euros of sales orders during the show. Showcase is presented on behalf of Design & Crafts Council Ireland, with support from Enterprise Ireland in promoting the trade show internationally through their network of offices overseas, and the Local Enterprise Offices nationwide. Almost 400 Irish brands are exhibited at the fair, including emerging Irish businesses supported by their Local Enterprise Offices. Showcase is for trade attendance only.

https://scanner.topsec.com/?d=4578&r=auto&u=www.showcaseireland.com&t=e5fcb0453c54a2d468272d3313107ec2a887fcf1 / @showcase_ireland

 

About Design & Crafts Council Ireland

Design & Crafts Council Ireland is the national agency for design and craft in Ireland, we support designers and makers to develop their businesses in a sustainable way, and advocate for the societal benefits of design and craft. DCCI’s activities are funded by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment via Enterprise Ireland. DCCI currently has 64-member organisations and over 3,500 registered clients.

https://scanner.topsec.com/?d=4578&r=auto&u=www.dcci.ie&t=c014eca373d19140b3e284ddc82dfeb964dfad24 / @dccireland

 

About Enterprise Ireland

Enterprise Ireland is the government organisation responsible for the development and growth of Irish enterprises in world markets. We work in partnership with Irish enterprises to help them start, grow, innovate, and win export sales in global markets. In this way, we support sustainable economic growth, regional development, and secure employment.

https://scanner.topsec.com/?d=4578&r=auto&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.enterprise-ireland.com&t=e3f272a39711ccc5ba647b5225df98b1e2ec9d1f / @enterprise_ireland

About Local Enterprise Offices

The 31 Local Enterprise Offices located in the local authorities and funded through Enterprise Ireland support thousands of small Irish businesses and entrepreneurs nationwide.  Since their establishment in 2014 they have been for the first stop shop for entrepreneurs and small businesses and providing a range of supports including financial, mentoring, training, and sector specific expertise to help guide businesses at any stage of their development. For more information on the Local Enterprise Offices go to: https://scanner.topsec.com/?d=4578&r=auto&u=www.LocalEnterprise.ie&t=64af9aea5a0bc120a96ae87922dd1eebb3069656 / @local_enterprise_offices