Whilst fears persist over corruption, Ireland is one of the freest countries in the world for economic freedom and state finances remain robust. Economic momentum is set to be extremely strong in the short term, driven by exports, but inflation is rising and foreign investment flows are volatile. State policies and immigration will support the consumer market, but rural dwellers remain sizeable. Concentration on data centres is reaping rewards and Brexit has benefited the technology landscape.

The main trends shaping tea in Ireland in 2025 reflected a challenging landscape for both consumers and industry players. Persistent high prices have led to consumer frustration, while rising commodity costs continue to squeeze margins, making the balancing act between affordability and profitability increasingly difficult. The scope for premiumisation is narrowing as further price hikes make it harder to encourage additional spending, despite ongoing consumer enthusiasm for wellness, indulgence

In 2025, hot drinks faced a challenging environment marked by rising prices and consumer frustration, as industry players grappled with the dual pressures of higher input costs and consumer resistance to higher prices. The scope for premiumisation is narrowing, with consumers less willing to pay extra beyond the already elevated price points, though there remains interest in wellness, indulgence, and unique experiences. Indeed, health and wellness remain significant drivers of premium spending,

In 2025, other hot drinks faced challenges, as local consumers expressed frustration over rising prices, largely driven by higher commodity costs. This pressure made it more difficult for brands to persuade consumers to pay extra for premium offerings, even as interest in wellness, indulgence, and experiential products persisted.

In 2025, coffee in Ireland faced the challenge of rising commodity prices, which were partially passed on to consumers, leading to noticeable frustration over higher prices, making it more difficult for brands to encourage consumers to pay extra for premium offerings, although areas such as wellness, indulgence, and experiential products still attracted interest. Simultaneously, advances in technology and evolving social habits have shifted the focus of foodservice hot drinks, which are now valu

In 2025, carbonates in Ireland recorded a slight decline in volume as health-conscious consumers shifted towards water, reduced-sugar drinks and other low-calorie options, while also moderating alcohol intake and occasionally using carbonates as a substitute. Reduced-sugar carbonates, particularly non-cola variants, outperformed the wider category, supported by flavour innovation and launches such as Fanta Apple Zero Sugar, 7 UP Zero Pink Lemonade and Schweppes Raspberry Lemonade. Functional and

In 2025, soft drinks in Ireland continued to record overall growth in volume, although performance varied significantly across categories. Bottled water remained supported by health concerns and the ongoing decline of traditional carbonated soft drinks. Sports drinks saw the fastest volume rise, benefiting from a growing fitness culture and the popularity of functional products offering energy, recovery or performance support. RTD coffee was another standout in 2025, with consumers increasingly

In 2025, RTD coffee in Ireland continued to deliver strong volume growth, underpinned by busy lifestyles, younger consumers’ preference for ready-made beverages and its role as an affordable alternative to café purchases. Demand is shifting towards sweet, milky and flavoured variants, while functional propositions such as protein-enriched, low-sugar, organic and plant-based options broaden the category’s appeal. Innovation around cold brew, nitro formats, cleaner labels and sustainable, ethicall

Sauces, dips and condiments in Ireland continued to experience strong retail current value sales growth at the end of the review period. Firstly, as daily routines normalised in the post-COVID-19 period, convenience became a priority for consumers with increasingly busy schedules. Secondly, the cost-of-living crisis in the second half of the review period prompted many households to cut back on dining out, resulting in more meals being prepared and eaten at home. This shift supported the demand

RTD tea in Ireland saw only marginal volume growth in 2025, constrained by strong cultural preferences for hot tea and a small, still-focused category. Regular still RTD tea is suffering as sweetened variants lose favour, with reduced-sugar formats providing only limited support. Kombucha stands out as the main source of future momentum, leveraging probiotic benefits, natural ingredients and added functional claims that align closely with wellness trends. Lipton, distributed by Britvic, continue

In 2025, concentrates in Ireland achieved only marginal off-trade volume growth, with higher prices supporting value while low unit costs kept the category relevant for price-sensitive households. However, even widespread no-added-sugar formulations have not overcome a negative health image, as many consumers associate concentrates with artificial ingredients and instead move towards bottled water, functional drinks and RTD coffee. Powder formats are emerging as the main innovation platform, par

2025 saw bottled water in Ireland record solid retail volume growth as consumers continued to prioritise lower-sugar hydration, with still formats dominating and sparkling remaining niche. Functional and flavoured still waters drove growth, offering light taste, added benefits and more premium packaging to attract consumers moving away from traditional soft drinks. Rising concerns about tap water quality, following issues highlighted around trihalomethanes and wider debate on drinking water safe

In 2025, sports drinks in Ireland posted solid volume growth as the products moved beyond their traditional role in athletic performance towards more frequent, everyday hydration among increasingly active, health-aware consumers. Regular variants still account for most volume, but reduced-sugar options such as Lucozade Sport Zero Sugar are growing fastest, reflecting heightened concern about sugar and interest in more natural ingredient profiles. Lucozade has strengthened its clear lead through

Energy drinks in Ireland recorded robust volume growth in 2025, as busy lifestyles and demand for functional beverages supported frequent, everyday consumption. Regular formats still account for most sales, but reduced-sugar and zero-sugar energy drinks are expanding at the fastest pace, helped by launches such as Lucozade Energy Zero Pink Lemonade and a widening choice of flavoured variants from leading brands. The category is also evolving towards more natural and health-oriented propositions,

Juice in Ireland continued to see retail volume and value decline in 2025 as consumers moderated sugar intake and moved towards lower-calorie beverages; however, chilled, not from concentrate and cold-pressed juice perform comparatively better. Flavour innovation, including tropical blends, berries and acai, added variety and helped retain more engaged consumers but did not reverse the overall downward trajectory. Coconut and other plant waters recorded the fastest growth, supported by the produ

Retail current value sales of edible oils in Ireland are projected to continue to rise strongly over 2025. This growth is largely attributed to sharp price increases in olive oil. Overall, retail volume sales of edible oils are projected to rise moderately, despite further decreases for olive oil and sunflower oil amidst ongoing supply disruptions. These shortages stem from adverse weather conditions and geopolitical instability. As a result, Irish consumers increasingly opted for alternatives,

Over 2025, sweet spreads in Ireland is projected to see slightly higher growth in retail volume and current value sales, compared with 2024. Honey is projected to post the highest increase in retail volume sales, followed by nut and seed based spreads, with the positions reversed in retail value growth terms. Although consumer breakfast habits are changing and there is a growing focus on health, staple sweet spreads like jams and chocolate spreads remain popular. Nonetheless, they are under pers

Cooking ingredients and meals in Ireland is projected to see further strong growth in retail current value sales terms over 2025, albeit at a slower pace as inflation and price levels began to stabilise following volatility. This price stabilisation contributed to a more predictable market environment, allowing consumers to resume regular shopping patterns. Meanwhile, retail volume sales are projected to see faster growth than in 2024, reflecting increased consumer confidence and a gradual retur

Meals and soups in Ireland is projected to register strong retail volume and current value sales growth over 2025; slightly faster than in 2024. All categories are expected to post positive retail current value growth, with only dried and shelf stable ready meals anticipated to experience dips, and then only marginally, in retail volume sales. The overall positive trend is supported by an increase in home dining, as consumers have chosen to stay in and manage expenses in response to ongoing fina

Value sales of breakfast cereals in Ireland grew in 2025, supported by stable household penetration and health-focused innovation. Hot cereals drove the strongest growth due to its affordability, natural positioning, and alignment with consumers’ focus on digestive health. Companies invested in convenient formats and portable packs to meet busier lifestyles, while reformulated products with reduced sugar and added protein appealed to health-conscious shoppers.

In 2025, value sales of baked goods in Ireland increased, driven by consumer interest in convenient options such as packaged flatbreads and frozen products, along with innovative premium flavours. Cakes experienced the most significant value growth, supported by price inflation and a sustained demand for affordable indulgence. At the same time, artisanal breads and flatbreads remained popular due to their versatility and traditional appeal.

Value sales of rice, pasta and noodles increased in Ireland in 2025, supported by both higher volumes and rising unit prices despite cost-of-living pressures. Growth was driven by strong demand for convenient formats such as microwaveable and ready-to-cook products, alongside rising interest in healthier wholegrain, high-protein and gluten-free varieties. Rice was the strongest performer within the category, buoyed by premium and specialty offerings as well as expanding private label value packs

Processed fruit and vegetables recorded strong value growth in Ireland in 2025, driven by affordability, versatility, and convenience. Frozen processed fruit and vegetables emerged as the most dynamic category, valued for its long shelf life, nutrient preservation, and ease of preparation. Consumers increasingly sought to replicate restaurant-style meals at home while managing budgets, supported by innovations such as McCain’s Air Fryer oven chips range. Leading brands along with growing organic

In 2025, staple foods in Ireland recorded both value and volume growth, driven by a rising demand for affordability, convenience, and healthier options. Strong performers included processed meat, seafood and alternative to meat, processed fruits and vegetables, as well as rice, pasta and noodles. These categories benefited from cost-conscious consumer behaviour and an interest in nutritious, easy-to-prepare meal components. Sustainability also emerged as a significant factor influencing purchase