Ireland

The war in Ukraine continued to impact cooking ingredients and meals in 2023 by affecting the availability and prices of key ingredients, particularly sunflower oil and seeds. Irish food manufacturers have assessed the medium-term effects of 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…

During 2023, ready meals in Ireland experienced a surge, stimulated by innovative product offerings. Among these, The Gym Kitchen's Beef Lasagne and Tesco's Beautifully Balanced Chicken & Sweet Potato Katsu Curry stood out for their unique selling…

In 2023, one key trend in sauces, dips and condiments in Ireland was the increased emphasis on marketing and advertising to stimulate consumption. This trend was particularly evident in the success story of Mutti, a local player in pasta sauces.…

Chocolate spreads is expected to see stagnant retail volume growth, and the slowest retail current value sales growth in sweet spreads over 2023. Retail current value growth is set to be in high single-digits mainly due to higher prices. This…

Baked goods has seen a significant shift in consumer preferences, with an increasing demand for plant-based and vegan alternatives over traditional products. This trend is primarily fuelled by the growing awareness of the health and environmental…

In 2023, breakfast cereals saw a significant shift towards online sales, a trend that was largely driven by the rise of e-commerce and home delivery services. The COVID-19 pandemic played a crucial role in this transition, as local consumers…

Processed fruits and vegetables, rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fibre, are becoming increasingly popular as part of a balanced diet and overall wellbeing. Moreover, these products cater to the growing demand for plant-based…

In 2023, the growth of processed meat in Ireland was driven by robust demand from the UK and EU, comprising 43% and 47% of the total value of Irish beef exports, respectively. Furthermore, there were promising opportunities in Asia, notably China,…

Rice, noodles and pasta saw a significant shift towards healthier options in 2023. Irish consumers increasingly sought wholewheat pasta, brown rice and quinoa noodles, reflecting growing awareness of the importance of a balanced diet and the benefits…

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…

With Irish consumers increasingly opting for healthier hydration options, the health trend continued to drive up the demand for bottled water in both the on- and off-trade channels. More and more consumers reduced their consumption of other types of…

Carbonates’ overall off-trade (and total) volume sales are projected to decrease over 2023. Irish consumers decreased their intake of carbonates in favour of perceived healthier or more functional soft drinks like bottled water or energy drinks.…

Retail coffee in Ireland continued to see growth in volume terms during 2023, albeit at a slower rate than in previous years of the review period. The main reason for growth is the increasing penetration of coffee in Irish households. Ireland is said…

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…

Energy drinks is projected to continue to see strong off- and on-trade volume growth over 2023. Consumers increasingly looked for drinks that can help them to give the best of themselves. The penetration of energy drinks in Ireland remained quite…

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,…

Off-trade volume sales of juice were under pressure in Ireland in 2023, largely due to the health and wellness trend. Irish consumers were more conscious of the nutritional aspects of their drinks. Thus, the high sugar content of juice counted…

Other hot drinks witnessed divergent trends in Ireland. On the one hand, the biggest category, chocolate-based flavoured powder drinks, suffered from the health and wellness trend. On the other hand, malt-based hot drinks and “other” plant-based hot…

RTD coffee continued to grow fast in Ireland in 2023. Convenience and indulgence factors have contributed to the rise in popularity of iced coffee. Moreover, busy lifestyles and the desire for refreshing caffeinated options have led to increased…