FDBusiness.com

Over 70% of Irish food and drink businesses remain confident that they can sustain their revenue growth according to  the 2025 Food & Beverage Industry Barometer conducted by Love Irish Food and Bank of Ireland. This year’s Barometer, based on a March 2025 survey of 120 Irish food producers, captures the priorities of a diverse  mix of Irish food and drink businesses – ranging from household brand names to high-growth SMEs focused on local  markets.  

While operating at varying scales, food and beverage businesses remain aligned in their response to current  challenges – with 61% intent on building a stronger brand presence. Respondents also shared their concerns in trying  to overcome common industry challenges linked to cost pressures and labour availability (notably accommodation and  skills gaps), as well as shifting market dynamics following the imposition by the US Government of 10% tariffs on food  and beverage exports.  

Two-thirds of food and beverage businesses are now focused on streamlining and enhancing their operational  performance, with sights clearly fixed on further developing their operations in the Irish market. The 2025 survey revealed an 8% annual rise in companies developing a domestic growth strategy, with new customer acquisition and  innovation remaining primary goals. 

Conor Kilduff, Executive Director, Love Irish Food, said: “What the 2025 Barometer shows is not a sector in retreat, but  one pivoting strategically. Brands are investing where it counts – in operations, in identity, in people and in reconnecting  with Irish consumers.” 

Lucy Ryan, Head of Food & Beverage Sector, Bank of Ireland, added:“In my daily interactions across the Irish food  and beverage sector I am struck by how resilient businesses are. Industry leaders are attuned to shifts in market  dynamics, agile in their operations, and constantly innovating to ensure they provide customers with a best-in-class  product. Irish food producers are also keenly aware of the environmental benefits to their own bottom line, and with  sustainability practises now embedded in 95% of businesses surveyed it bodes well for long-term growth for the  sector.”

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Pictured L-R: Conor Kilduff, Executive Director, Love Irish Food, with Lucy Ryan, Head of Food & Beverage Sector, Bank of Ireland, and Stephen McCormack, Managing Director, McCormack Family Farms.