Ireland

2023 has seen a significant recovery in terms of inbound arrivals to Ireland with the number of trips set to reach 89% of pre-pandemic levels. With COVID-19 restrictions lifted the country has begun welcoming back visitors from key source markets…

In 2023, the savoury snack category in Ireland was characterized by a strong emphasis on taste and quality. Consumers prioritise these factors above all else when choosing their savoury snacks, leading to an increase in the variety of flavours…

Increasing numbers of ice cream producers are focusing on nostalgia to attract consumers who want something more than a novel flavour. The Fruit-tella ice cream is the first of its kind in the UK and combines three popular flavours into one product.…

In 2023, chocolate confectionery in Ireland is driven by a strong consumer desire for indulgence and celebration. Chocolate is not merely a sweet treat, but a symbol of joy and festivity, making it a preferred choice for marking special occasions.…

Volume sales of RTDs saw healthy growth in 2022, albeit at a slower pace than the previous year. With the lifting of restrictions on 22 January, consumers poured into pubs and restaurants, which were now able to operate at full capacity without the…

In 2023, despite rising inflation and growing price consciousness, baby and child-specific products in Ireland recorded positive retail volume growth. Many consumers continue to spend and invest in products for children during economic uncertainty,…

Leisure and travel, increasing in value sales terms by 14% and 12% respectively, were the most impressive performers in terms of consumer foodservice locations in 2023, as consumer spending rose and travel patterns returned to greater levels of…

The lingering economic effects of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis have been exacerbated by high inflation towards the end of the review period. This has exerted strong upward pressure on product prices and the cost of living, which tempered demand,…

One of the most important trends in baby food in Ireland in 2023 was the increased focus on health and wellness, which manifested most clearly in the increasing interest in clean label products and those with functional ingredients. With consumer…

Vitamin sales patterns are returning back to normality in 2023, following the surge in demand at the height of the pandemic period, although high inflation remain an issue. The COVID-19 pandemic encouraged consumers to take better care of their…

Cigarette sales in Ireland registered significant volume declines in 2022, as a result of a return to pre-pandemic levels of international travel, which saw cross-border and duty-free sales increase once more. This trend, which has been seen across…

In 2023, packaged staple foods in Ireland saw a significant shift in consumer behaviour and industry dynamics. Traditional favourites such as potatoes, bread, meat, eggs and fish remain the most commonly consumed staple foods. However, increased…

Dermatologicals is seeing solid current value growth in 2023, driven in part by higher retail prices. The category is benefiting from a return to normal daily lifestyles following the COVID-19 pandemic. Consumers’ skin is being more exposed to…

Analgesics sales are returning to more normal patterns in 2023, following the fluctuations caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the sharp price rises seen in 2022. On balance, current value growth rates are still elevated compared to pre-pandemic…

In 2023, premium beauty and personal care ranges recorded a stronger performance than mass goods despite the challenging economic environment and ongoing high inflation. This was mainly due to the very strong performance of premium ranges within…

Retail volume sales of concentrates were under pressure in Ireland in 2023. Strong growth in demand during the COVID-19 pandemic, with consumers shifting to retail in line with the heavy restrictions on foodservice, fostered stabilisation towards the…

The Irish population’s experience of the significant trend towards health and wellness has increased health consciousness and had a profound impact on consumer preferences within edible oils. Consumers have displayed a growing understanding of and…

2023 saw demand for fromage frais and quark begin to decline for the first time in four years, which can be seen as a balancing of demand after several years of robust performances in the category. Fromage frais and quark consistently outperformed…

Russia’s war in Ukraine coupled with the EU’s ambitious Zero Carbon policy continues to put pressure on fuel prices and this has led to a significant increase in the average ticket price for the end consumer. European regulators have introduced new…

Snacks in Ireland has come under pressure from rising prices in 2023. Many consumers perceive the higher prices as a deterrent and are switching to cheaper snacking options or reducing their snacking to some extent. Additionally, the increased prices…