In 2024, couples with children were the most common household type in Ireland, reflecting traditional family values and a trend towards smaller family sizes. Over 2024-2029, the number of households is forecast to grow by 6.9%, with couples without children seeing the fastest increase. The housing crisis, particularly in Dublin, remains a critical issue, straining public infrastructure and affordability.

Ireland’s real GDP grew by 1.2% in 2024, below the Western European average, though GDP per capita remained high. Inflation eased to 2.1%, mainly due to falling food and energy prices. Exports rose by 14.8%, led by chemicals, including pharmaceuticals, while imports dropped by 4.2%. Meanwhile, a 4.3% budget surplus was recorded, supported by a 17.3% revenue increase that outpaced spending – marking the strongest revenue growth in Western Europe.

In the 2024 Index of Economic Freedom, Ireland ranked third, showing notable gains in Investment and Business Freedom, indicating an open and attractive business climate. However, business confidence may dip in 2025 due to ongoing regional and global challenges. Despite this, Ireland's focus on digitalisation and infrastructure development is expected to boost future economic growth and enhance competitiveness.

Retail value sales of baby food are set to increase in current terms in Ireland in 2025. Baby food sales in Ireland continue to grow, but at a slower pace than in the previous year. The main reasons for the slowing of growth are falling baby food prices and the declining birth rate in Ireland. The very high prices in the post-COVID-19 years have become a serious problem that has forced various decisions to be taken. After COVID-19, baby milk formula became very costly in Ireland, worrying parent

Retail value sales of cheese are expected to rise in current terms in Ireland in 2025. Growth will primarily be driven by increased unit prices, which have stabilised following the pandemic. Volume sales declined in 2024, due to price sensitivity amongst consumers reacting to rising prices. These price increases were driven in part by reduced milk collections, which led to higher production costs and ultimately pushed up retail prices. As a result, while consumers purchased less, the overall val

Retail value sales of other dairy products are set to increase in current terms in Ireland in 2025, despite stagnating volume sales. Current value growth is set to be primarily driven by continued price increases. However, these are already showing signs of stabilisation, and the market’s growth appears to be steadier than earlier in the review period.

Retail value sales of yoghurt and sour milk products are set to rise in current terms in Ireland in 2025. While growth is expected to be slightly faster than in 2024, it will remain significantly below the levels of the preceding years. Growth will be driven by increases in both the volumes and prices, although price rises were modest and have stabilised since the post-pandemic spikes. Volumes are also rising, as these products are increasingly seen as part of a healthy lifestyle. Yoghurt, in pa

Retail value sales of drinking milk products are set to increase in current terms in Ireland in 2025. Growth will primarily be attributable to significant price hikes, amongst the highest in Europe. Reduced milk production largely caused by poor weather conditions during key milk collection months has led to higher production costs and increased prices. In a highly budget-conscious environment, consumers have become more sensitive to price increases. Nevertheless, volumes are expected to rise sl

Retail value sales of butter and spreads are set to rise in current term sin Ireland in 2025. While the category is expected to see sales increase, growth will continue in the vein of 2024 and be significantly slower than in previous years. As the volumes have declined in recent years, growth has been driven by record high butter prices in in Ireland – butter has been the category with the most rapidly rising prices in the Irish food basket. Local demand for butter remains quite strong, so sligh

Retail value sales of dairy products and alternatives are expected to rise in current terms in Ireland in 2025. Growth in 2024 and 2025 has been slower than in previous years, due in part to rising prices and falling milk collections, which have exerted a downward pressure on volumes across the various dairy sectors. The main reasons for the decline in milk supply were animal disease outbreaks and poor weather conditions, which had a significant impact on milk collections in 2024. Although the s

Retail value sales of plant-based dairy are set to increase strongly in current terms in Ireland in 2025. Value growth is being driven by rising volumes, as a growing number of consumers are attracted to vegan, vegetarian and flexitarian diets because of concerns about health, the environment and animal welfare, in line with global trends. Growth is also being supported by the expanding range of plant-based products available in the country – including from private label. Indeed, the development

Value sales of gum in Ireland are set to increase in 2025, while volume growth remains modest. This growth reflects consumer willingness to spend more, even as unit sales remain subdued. As Irish lifestyles become increasingly dynamic and gum is largely an impulse purchase, overall sales performance in 2025 remained positive.

In 2025, value sales of chocolate confectionery in Ireland are expected to increase. However, this growth is largely driven by significant price inflation, rather than rising demand. The soaring cost of chocolate, primarily due to climate change and crop-related diseases, has placed substantial pressure on the margins of producers and manufacturers.

Value sales of sugar confectionery in Ireland are set to increase in 2025, driven by premiumisation and the introduction of new product formats. However, in volume terms, the category will remain relatively flat as many consumers increasingly avoid sugary products due to growing health and wellness concerns. Additionally, sugar confectionery continues to face competition from alternatives such as fruit snacks, which are widely perceived as healthier. Seasonality remains a major factor in the per

Value sales of savoury snacks are expected to increase in Ireland in 2025. Despite a slowdown in inflation during 2024 and 2025, the high cost of living has made Irish consumers more value-conscious, though many continue to favour premium products. Salty snacks will remain the largest category in 2025. However, potato shortages in regions such as Northern Ireland have driven up unit prices for some products, particularly potato chips. Despite this, potato chips remain a dynamic category, with ma

Value sales of sweet biscuits, snack bars, and fruit snacks are set to rise in 2025, supported by convenience, affordability, and strong marketing investment by brand owners. Despite shifting attitudes towards health and nutrition, these categories recorded positive growth in both value and volume terms, aided by ongoing product innovation, including new flavours, formats, and functional ingredients.

Value sales of snacks are set rise in Ireland in 2025. Although Ireland’s GDP saw a slight decline in 2024, primarily due to a contraction in the multinational sector during the first half of the year, a robust economic recovery is anticipated for both 2025 and 2026. Falling inflation rates are expected to result in stable unit prices in 2025, except for chocolate confectionery, supporting positive growth in snacks.

Value sales of ice cream are set to increase in 2025, with Ireland maintaining its position as a developed market and the fifth-largest exporter of ice cream in the EU. However, the ice cream remains highly weather-dependent, prompting brand owners to diversify packaging formats. Larger at-home tubs, dessert integrations, and bulk packs have gained traction, supporting year-round consumption beyond the summer months.

In 2024, volume sales of alcoholic beverages in Ireland declined, driven by longer-term trends shaping performance. Legislative measures and increasing health and wellness concerns have contributed to the continued reduction in consumption. Health remains the key driver of growth for no- and low-alcohol drinks, with non-alcoholic categories recording some of the fastest growth rates in 2024, albeit from relatively modest base levels.

Volume sales of spirits recorded a marginal decrease in Ireland in 2024. Irish whiskey continues to flourish in the country. The number of operational distilleries in Ireland has grown significantly, with over 50 now in production, which is an impressive increase from five a decade ago. Jameson remains the dominant force in terms of volume, holding its position as the leading brand in the market. Nevertheless, single malt Scotch whisky continues to command considerable prestige, maintaining stro

Volume sales of beer decreased in Ireland in 2024, impacted by the broader decline in alcohol consumption. This decline is driven by growing health consciousness, legislative measures, and shifting social habits, particularly among younger generations. The continued closure of pubs and restaurants, due to rising operating costs and reduced consumer spending in the on-trade channel, is further dampening sales. However, as overall consumption falls, many consumers are trading up to higher-quality

Volume sales of cider/perry declined in Ireland in 2024, with a fall in sales driven by several factors. The category is highly mature, and despite manufacturers’ efforts to encourage year-round consumption, such as introducing winter-themed flavours and products suited to mulled cider, many consumers still associate cider/perry with summer. This strong seasonality means that on-trade sales are particularly dependent on favourable weather. Both the summers of 2023 and 2024 were marked by below-a

Volume sales of wine increased in Ireland in 2024, driven by sales of still wines. Per capita wine consumption in Ireland remains among the lowest in Western Europe. However, this relative immaturity in the market is supporting resilience and offering growth opportunities. Natural wine gained momentum in 2024, driven by a growing emphasis on sustainability and rising health concerns related to pesticide use, encouraging interest in low-intervention and organic wines.

Volume sales of RTDs increased in 2024, supported by several key consumer trends. Rising interest in cocktails has played a notable role, with RTDs offering a more affordable and accessible alternative to on-trade spirits. Financial pressures continued to shape purchasing decisions in 2024, making the price and convenience of RTDs particularly appealing. The category also benefits from a broad and expanding range of brands, formats, and flavour profiles, enhancing its relevance for a variety of