The Irish foodservice market is expected to grow to almost €6.9 billion by 2018, according to Bord Bia.
Presently, this market has grown from €6.13 billion in 2014 to €6.37 billion in 2015 as a result of wider growth in the economy, rising confidence amongst Irish consumers and a strong tourism market.
According to Bord Bia, the fast food sector is the largest Irish foodservice channel and accounts for approximately €3 billion or 50% of the total market value.
This market has grown considerably as the lower transaction spend is motivating the consumers choice of venue, it says.
Bord Bia also reports that the fast casual channel in Ireland is forecast to grow at three times the rate of overall market growth.
This increase is driven by more robust consumer spending, a high degree of interest in the menu variety offered by operators and the ability for consumers to customise menu items, says Bord Bia.
According to Bord Bia, consumer culture is evolving, with new demands being placed on restaurant operators particularly for fast service, fair price and transparency.
Bord Bia also recently published its 2015 Irish Foodservice Market Directory, which includes detailed profiles of over 100 operators and wholesale distributors.
It is aimed at providing companies with key background information on potential customers and advice on how to drive their foodservice business.
Milk, meat and bacon are of higher quality in Ireland compared to abroad
Milk, meat and bacon are of a higher quality in Ireland compared to abroad, a new survey by Checkout Magazine in association with Behaviour and Attitudes has found.
The third annual ‘Diaspora Decides’, asked which product categories respondents felt were of a higher quality in Ireland, and which were of superior quality overseas.
In Ireland, the survey found that stout scores highest, with 66% of respondents saying that they feel it is of a higher quality in Ireland.