Welcome to the April Edition of Bord Bia's Ireland Market Foodservice Newsletter
There is finally a feeling of spring in the air (for now!) and preparation for Bord Bia Bloom 2026 is in full force. We are already looking forward to our annual Buyer Breakfast which will take place this year on Friday, May 29th. Plenty of additional information to follow, for now, please mark the date in your calendar.
Monthly Spotlight: QSR’s Push to Build Brand Beyond the Menu
Domino’s latest activity highlights how restaurants are increasingly stepping outside traditional food innovation to maintain brand presence and generate publicity. Alongside the launch of its new Slice Sauce – a low complexity way to refresh the eating experience and encourage premium pizza purchases – the brand’s partnership with Shinola pushes much further, using limited access watches and leather goods to spark conversation, lifestyle association and earned media well beyond the pizza category.
This kind of creative brand extension is becoming more common across foodservice. McDonald’s has leaned into unexpected cultural moments through retro merchandise and adult focused promotions. Taco Bell has gone further still, transforming its brand equity into experiences through popups, weddings and product tie-ins that exist largely to fuel visibility rather than volume.
Collectively, these moves reflect an industry reality: in a crowded, value driven market, maintaining relevance increasingly depends on imaginative, unconventional brand touchpoints as much as the food itself.
General Industry News
Energy Shock from Iran War Could Push Inflation Above 4%
RTÉ News – 26.03.2026
The Central Bank has cautioned that a severe energy shock linked to the war in Iran could lift Irish inflation above 4%, as fuel and wider energy costs feed through to prices. While its baseline outlook still points to inflation averaging just under 3% in 2026, a prolonged or escalating conflict would squeeze household incomes, weaken growth and limit the State’s room to respond. For Irish foodservice, the risk is twofold: higher operating costs across utilities, logistics and energy‑intensive inputs, alongside fresh pressure on consumer budgets that could curb discretionary hospitality spend over the year ahead.
More than 400k Visitors to Ireland Last Month, Up 33%
RTÉ News – 30.03.2026
New figures show more than 400,000 overseas visitors travelled to Ireland last month, up 33% year on year. The increase comes as Government prepares to roll out “America 250” events ahead of US Independence Day (4 July), including plans for an American Presidents Trail linking Irish ancestral sites connected to US presidents such as John F Kennedy, Joe Biden, Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama. Backers say the trail could become a major tourism draw, strengthening North American demand and supporting foodservice through higher visitor volumes across both urban and regional destinations.
Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) & Pub Sector
International QSR Brands Accelerate Irish Expansion
MCA Insight – 24.03.2026
Ireland’s QSR market is attracting increased international interest, with UK and US based operators drawn by strong consumer demand, economic resilience and a favourable VAT environment. Meaningful Vision data shows foodservice traffic grew 1% in 2025, with QSR outperforming in Q4 as visits rose 3.2% year‑on‑year, driven by new store openings. Recent entrants include Wingstop, German Doner Kebab, Wendy’s and Taco Bell, while Popeyes is set to launch its first Dublin site this spring under a new master franchise agreement. Fried chicken continues to be the fastest‑growing segment, while pizza expansion is also accelerating through franchise‑led concepts. Growth is increasingly shifting beyond Dublin as operators target regional opportunities amid intensifying competition in the capital.
McSorley’s Adds Piano Bar Reflecting Wider Pub Trends
Hospitality Ireland – 02.03.2026
Dublin pub McSorley’s in Ranelagh has launched a new upstairs piano bar as part of a broader refurbishment by Grand Slam Bars, reflecting a wider trend across the Irish pub sector towards premiumisation and occasion‑led experiences. The new space, Upstairs at McSorley’s, introduces live piano music, an elevated cocktail offering and a small‑plates menu, complementing the traditional pub downstairs without altering its character. Designed to attract after‑dinner trade, private events and late‑evening occasions, the concept highlights how established pubs are investing in differentiated spaces to drive dwell time, expand their customer base and remain competitive in an increasingly experience‑driven hospitality market.
Hotel & Restaurant Sector
Premier Inn Commits to Limerick as Regional Hotel Investment Accelerates
Limerick Leader – 25.03.2026
Whitbread, owner of Premier Inn, has announced a multi‑million‑euro investment in a 156‑bedroom hotel at Limerick’s Opera Square, marking the brand’s first presence in the city. The development forms part of Premier Inn’s strategy to build a national network of 5,000 affordable hotel rooms across Ireland, reflecting a broader shift within the Irish hotel industry towards regional expansion beyond Dublin. As international operators target cities with strong connectivity, year‑round demand and regeneration momentum, the project highlights growing confidence in regional centres as key drivers of future hotel growth.
Lyla’s Opens as O’Neill Family Expands Kilkenny Portfolio
Drinks Industry Ireland – 05.03.2026
The O’Neill family has opened Lyla’s, a new 46‑seat restaurant and cocktail bar in Kilkenny City, adding a third venue to its independent portfolio alongside Mountain View Estate and Petronella. Led by siblings Michael O’Neill and Bee O’Grady, the opening reflects continued confidence among established Irish operators, with a strong focus on local sourcing, sustainability and experience‑led dining. Lyla’s underscores the role of family‑owned restaurants in driving innovation and regional growth within Ireland’s hospitality sector.
Casual Dining & Contract Catering Sector
Irish Coffee Shops Earn Global Recognition
University Observer – 24.03.2026
Ireland’s café and casual dining scene has gained global recognition, with Coffeewerk + Press in Galway (32nd) and Unfiltered Coffee in Dublin (56th) named among The World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops at CoffeeFest Madrid 2026. The rankings reflect international appreciation for cafés that deliver a well‑rounded experience, with judges assessing not only coffee quality but barista skill, service, ambience, innovation, sustainability and food offer. Both Irish operators stood out for their craft‑led approach, curated spaces and consistency, reinforcing Ireland’s growing profile for quality, experience‑driven café concepts on the global stage.
Compass Builds Youth Skills Pipeline for Contract Catering
The Caterer – 26.03.2026
The contract caterer has outlined a series of initiatives aimed at attracting and supporting young people into hospitality, including virtual work experience, junior chef programmes and an expanded apprenticeship offering. The emphasis on early engagement, transferable skills and clearly defined career pathways illustrates how large contract caterers are responding to persistent labour and skills challenges. As workforce pressures continue to shape the operating environment, the approach provides a useful reference point for how structured, long‑term talent development is being positioned across the wider contract catering industry.