Over 100 Irish food suppliers and 50 foodservice trade buyers gathered in Dublin today for Bord Bia’s third annual Irish Foodservice Seminar. Delegates heard that following three difficult trading years, new research commissioned by Bord Bia has indicated that the foodservice market in Ireland has stabilized and will increase by €100 million to reach a value of €6.1 billion in 2015.
Speaking at the event, Bord Bia’s Foodservice Specialist, Maureen Gahan said, “In recent years, foodservice suppliers and operators have faced unprecedented challenges, however the industry has emerged more efficient, more competitive and market attuned. It now must adjust, restructure and rebuild itself under new trading conditions. Our research shows that channels such as On-the-go consumption; Casual Dining and Quick Service Restaurants are well positioned for continued growth as consumers trade down to lower cost eating-out options.”
At the conference, Rory McDonnell, Insight and Innovation Specialist, Bord Bia presented the results of PERIscope 6*, Bord Bia’s biennial study that tracks the food related views and behaviours of Irish, British and Northern Irish consumers. The research findings show significant changes for consumers’ shopping, cooking and eating out behaviours, particularly since 2007. In Ireland, we have responded to our changing economic circumstances by investing more of our time and effort in enjoying food in the home. At the height of the boom, Irish consumers were purchasing more hot food from deli counters, 55% in 2007 compared to 45% in 2011 and eating out more regularly, with 35% eating out a few times a month in 2007, compared to 29% in 2011. However, 25% of those surveyed continue to eat out at least once a week. The main factors influencing consumers’ decision to eat out include a lack of time or energy to cook at home; the vast range of cost effective eating out options and the need to work longer hours.
Helen Doring, Chief Executive, Pro-Intal Consulting, commented “Despite the challenges, foodservice in Ireland, valued at €6 billion per annum (at consumer prices), is a very large market containing major opportunities as we move forward for those players with the skills and competencies to realize them. Suppliers offering innovative products and solutions to meet changing consumer needs will be best positioned to win business.”
Other conference speakers included James Burke, James Burke & Associates; Mark McCarthy, Business Development Chef, Unilever, who presented food trends from Unilever’s recent World Food Reports and Ciara McCormack, Donnelly Foods, Dublin on how to successfully win business within the foodservice sector in Ireland.
Building Business Opportunities
Bord Bia launched its Irish Market Foodservice Directory 2011 at the event. The comprehensive directory includes detailed profiles of over 70 operators and the wholesale distributors that service them. It is aimed at providing companies with key background information on potential customers and advice on where product opportunities may exist.
Bord Bia’s Foodservice Initiatives for 2012
Bord Bia’s Ireland Market Foodservice Programme will continue throughout 2012, assisting suppliers develop stronger relationships with key foodservice distributors and operators. Over 100 Irish foodservice buyers are being targeted to attend Bord Bia’s Marketplace 2012 event where 170 Irish food and drink suppliers will be represented. Additional bespoke foodservice activities will include regular market information and trends updates and Supplier Development Programmes focused on winning new business in the market.