Welcome to the September Edition of Bord Bia's Ireland Market Foodservice Newsletter
Bord Bia is delighted to confirm that online registration is now open for the 2025 Foodservice Seminar, taking place on the morning of Tuesday, 11th November. The theme of this year’s event is Stories in Collaboration and once again the seminar is taking place at the Johnstown House Hotel, Enfield. For more information and to book your place, please visit our dedicated webpage here.
Monthly Spotlight: The Changing Face of Restaurant Menus
A recent Irish Times article looks at how a combination of food inflation and increasingly price sensitive customers are forcing the industry to review every ingredient and adapt their menus accordingly. Rising prices across many core ingredients – from butter, to coffee, beef, salmon and poultry – means that many consumers are simply cutting back – either on the frequency of eating out, or the number of courses they are choosing. An interesting point made by Clare hotelier Michael Vaughan is that many American tourists are now on GLP1 weight loss medication, which in turn means they have less of an appetite and are looking for smaller portion sizes when eating out!
Warning that Tourism in Ireland at ‘Tipping Point’
RTE Economy – 14.08.2025
The Irish Tourism Industry Confederation (ITIC) has warned that Ireland’s tourism sector is at a “tipping point,” calling for urgent action to support hospitality and foodservice businesses. In its Budget submission, ITIC is pushing for the restoration of the 9% VAT rate, increased Government funding and the lifting of the Dublin Airport passenger cap. The ITIC warns of “double-digit” declines in tourists coming to Ireland and the overdependency on US visitors. With soft demand from Britain, Europe, and domestic markets and rising operating costs squeezing margins, the proposed VAT cut would support home-grown hospitality businesses and help maintain Ireland’s value proposition amid growing price pressures.
Tax Collected by State This Year Up 7.3% on 2024
RTE Business – 04.09.2025
Ireland’s public finances remain strong ahead of Budget 2026, with tax revenues up 7.3% year-on-year, driven by solid income tax and VAT performance. However, a sharp drop in August’s corporation tax receipts and rising government spending (up 7.8%) have raised concerns about fiscal sustainability. The Irish Fiscal Advisory Council continues to flag rapid expenditure growth, while Minister Paschal Donohoe cautioned about the “vulnerability” of Ireland’s corporation tax base.
Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) & Pub Sector
First Wendy’s Fast Food Restaurant in Ireland to Open in Cork
www.irishtimes.com/business – 18.08.2025
Wendy’s is set to enter the Irish QSR market this October with its first restaurant opening at Mahon Point Shopping Centre in Cork, creating 50 new jobs. Operated by Corrib Oil, the US fast food chain will serve Irish beef and chicken and plans to open 10 locations nationwide over the next two years. The move is part of Corrib’s wider expansion strategy to double its footprint by 2030. As Corrib MD Michael Dalton said, “We’re thrilled to bring Wendy’s to Cork, offering fresh and locally sourced menu items and outstanding hospitality to local customers.”
42% of Dublin Food Pubs May Cut Staff if VAT Reduction Delayed
Hospitality Ireland– 14.08.2025
A new Licensed Vinters Association (LVA) survey warns two in every five food pubs in Dublin may cut staff if the VAT reduction is delayed until 2026, with a further 10% considering halting foodservice entirely. Since the higher VAT rate began in September 2023, over half have seen food sales drop, especially at lunch. Rising costs have led many to cut menu items and some now limit foodservice to certain days.
Irish Hotels Federation Leaders Meet with Ministers
www.hospitalityireland.com – 28.08.2025
The Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) has renewed its call for targeted supports in Budget 2026, including the restoration of the 9% VAT rate on foodservices, to help stabilise the hospitality sector amid rising costs and declining overseas visitor spend. With over 70% of hospitality jobs located outside Dublin, the IHF argues that a VAT cut would support regional employment and bring Ireland back in line with European competitors like Germany.
Dalata Hotel Group records Lower Post-Tax Profits as Board Backs Takeover
www.hospitalityireland.com – 27.08.2025
Dalata Hotel Group has reported a 45% drop in after-tax profits to €19.6 million for H1 2025, amid a strategic review that led to a recommended all-cash takeover by a Scandinavian consortium. Despite a slight revenue increase to €306.5 million, adjusted EBITDA fell 5%, and RevPAR declined 2% year-on-year. Cost inflation and strategic review expenses weighed on margins, though operational efficiencies and energy savings helped offset some impact. CEO Dermot Crowley noted, “We truly have become an international hotel company,” as Dalata expanded into Berlin, Madrid, and Edinburgh, and acquired the Radisson Blu Dublin Airport, set to rebrand as Clayton next year.
Casual Dining / Contract Catering
US College Football Fans set to Drive Food Spend in Dublin
www.shelflife.ie – 06.08.2025
Ireland’s casual dining and catering sectors are set to benefit from the Aer Lingus College Football Classic, as over 24,000 international visitors (mostly from the US) descend on Dublin for the Kansas State vs. Iowa State clash on 23 August. The event is expected to generate over €130 million for the local economy, with fans staying an average of seven nights and engaging in food, drink, and cultural experiences across the city. As Minister Peter Burke noted, “Not only will the event generate significant revenue in August, the extensive coverage of the game in the USA will also put Ireland’s vibrant tourism offering in the shop window.”
Applegreen to Open Ireland’s First Taco Bell Restaurant in September
Hospitality Ireland– 12.08.2025
Applegreen will open Ireland’s first Taco Bell this September at its new €15 million motorway service area on the M3 in Dunshaughlin, Co. Meath. The site will create over 100 jobs and feature a Burger King, M&S Food outlet, Braeburn Coffee café, Crafted deli, EV-charging ports, and more. Applegreen plans to roll out additional Taco Bell locations nationwide over the next five years.