Welcome to the November Edition of Bord Bia's Ireland Market Foodservice Newsletter
Thank you to everyone that joined us for our 2025 Foodservice Seminar on Tuesday, November 11th at the Johnstown Estate, Enfield.
Our Press Release with a summary of the key findings from our 2025 Irish Foodservice Market Insights is available here.
If you would like a .pdf copy of the full report, please email thethinkinghouse@bordbia.ie
Monthly Spotlight: Opportunities in Low and No Alcohol Occasions
“Little Sweet Water” is a term that is being increasingly used to describe a sweet tooth trend emerging with younger Chinese consumers. Beverages that blend alcohol with sweet teas and desserts and appease a growing demand for low-alcohol, ready to drink beverages. For Chinese Gen Zers, alcohol is less about getting drunk and more about facilitating social connection and enjoying nuanced flavours. According to market data from Vyansa Intelligence, China’s alcoholic drinks market is valued at US$320.9 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow modestly to US$343.6 billion by 2032. But within that landscape, low-alcohol innovation is driving pockets of faster growth. Industry research from Market Research Future forecasts that China’s ready-to-drink (RTD) alcoholic beverage sector will double from US$25 billion in 2024 to US$50 billion by 2035.
General Industry News
Bank of Ireland Upgrades Irish Economic Forecast
RTE Business – 24.10.2025
Bank of Ireland now expects domestic economic growth of 3.4% in 2025 and 2.6% in 2026, with GDP rising 10.7% this year, driven by multinational exports. Housing completions are forecast at 34,500, with prices set to rise 6% this year. Pharmaceutical exports remain largely tariff-free following US deals with Pfizer and AstraZeneca. While fundamentals are strong, reliance on corporate tax from a few firms poses fiscal risks. The outlook remains positive for foodservice operators navigating cost pressures and evolving consumer demand.
Michelin Guide Ceremony to Take Place in Dublin
Drinks Industry Ireland – 22.10.2025
Dublin will host the Michelin Guide 2026 ceremony for Great Britain & Ireland on the 9th of February at the Convention Centre Dublin, marking the first time the event is held in Ireland. Supported by La Rousse Foods, the ceremony will celebrate the region’s top chefs and restaurants, unveiling Michelin Stars, Distinctions, and Special Awards. The event will be streamed live on YouTube, with the full selection available via the Michelin Guide app and website, reinforcing Ireland’s growing status on the global culinary map.
Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) & Pub Sector
Wingstop To Open First Restaurant In Ireland
Hospitality Ireland – 10.10.2025
Wingstop, the global chicken brand with nearly 3,000 restaurants, is entering the Irish market this winter with a flagship dine-in at Liffey Valley and a delivery kitchen via Deliveroo, operated by Lemon Pepper Holdings. With plans for 20 sites across Ireland over seven years, the launch brings job opportunities and career development through Wingstop University and the Step-Up programme. “Ireland has an energy that matches our own,” said a Wingstop UKI representative.
Maxol Trials New Meal Delivery Service
RTÉ News – 28.10.2025
Maxol has launched a new meal delivery service, trialing at three locations: Donabate, Longmile Road (Dublin), and Ardbrae (Bray). Partnering with restaurant platform Noahs, the Irish-owned retailer will offer cooked-to-order meals and grocery delivery.
CEO Brian Donaldson said the move expands Maxol’s fresh food offering beyond breakfast and lunch, with dishes like pizza, burgers, and Mexican bowls available for home delivery from 2026. The launch follows strong 2024–25 trading results, with turnover reaching €786m and non-fuel sales now accounting for 40% of gross profit.
Hotel & Restaurant Sector
Talbot Collection Expands with €18m Limerick Acquisition
Drinks Industry Ireland – 05.10.2025
The Talbot Collection has added the award-winning Absolute Hotel to its portfolio in a €18m deal, bringing the group to seven hotels across six counties. The 99-bedroom property strengthens Talbot’s presence in Ireland’s hospitality sector, following recent refurbishments in Cork and Midleton.
Managing Director Philip Gavin said the investment reflects confidence in the market. Limerick’s hotel performance continues to rise, with RevPAR up 20% in 2023 and 3% in 2024 amid city regeneration.
Lidl Unveils ‘Feast by Lidl’ Pop-Up Restaurant in Dublin
RTÉ News - 22.10.2025
Lidl Ireland is teaming up with Michelin-starred chef Oliver Dunne to launch ‘Feast by Lidl’, a two-day festive pop-up restaurant on 8–9 November at The Chocolate Factory, Dublin 1. Diners choose between two tasting menus—Naughty or Nice—each showcasing Irish produce and Lidl’s Deluxe Christmas range. The event blends tradition and innovation, with dishes ranging from turkey and ham to duck and scallops, paired with Lidl’s curated wines. Based on new research, the concept reflects Ireland’s love for classic Christmas fare while inviting guests to explore bold new flavours.
Casual Dining / Contract Catering
Sysco Ireland Awards Outstanding Partnerships
Hospitality Ireland – 10.10.2025
Sysco Ireland celebrated its supplier network at the Ignite ’26 Conference in Cavan, recognising standout partners including McCaughey Foods, Go-Pak, Bridor, and McCarren Meats. With over 300 attendees, the event showcased innovation, strategy, and sustainability under the theme Ignite, Inspire, Grow. As Merchandising Director Joanne Cunningham stated, “Our goal is simple, to create the strongest supplier network in Irish foodservice. We’re ready to grow, and we’re bringing our partners with us.”
KSG Opens Three New Outlets at Dublin Airport
TravelExtra.ie – 20.10.2025
KSG Catering has launched three new restaurant outlets in Terminal 1 at Dublin Airport (San Marco Italian, Kimbok Korean Chicken, and Boxx Asian Fusion) creating 75 new jobs across culinary and service roles. Minister Peter Burke praised KSG’s support for Irish producers at the opening. With over 1,550 staff and 15 million meals served annually, KSG continues to grow across sectors including travel, healthcare, and corporate catering. CEO Michael Gleeson said the new openings offer “significant additional choice” for passengers.