When purchasing food and drink, Irish consumers opt mainly for standard branded products across most categories such as snacks, alcohol and soft drinks, yet are drawn to own-label milk, baked sweet goods and prepared foods.

Mintel’s research highlights that Irish consumers are willing to pay more for factors such as freshness as well as food and drink products that are locally sourced, thus emphasising the importance of food traceability and provenance. Consumers are also attracted by premium-priced products that are Fairtrade, adhere to a high animal welfare standard and are environmentally friendly. Nonetheless, Irish consumers believe that it is worth paying extra for quality food and drink products, with a strong level of NI and RoI consumers noting that taste itself is more important to them than branding.

This Report examines opinion on premium food and drink products amongst consumers on the island of Ireland (IoI). It evaluates the main drivers and trends affecting the market and influencing consumers’ decision-making and purchasing behaviour. This Report draws on consumer research and covers household grocery shopping responsibilities and types of products consumers opt for. Moreover, it investigates the factors influencing consumers to pay more for selected items and attitudes towards luxury food and drink produce.

This Report covers consumers’ attitudes towards premium or luxury food and drink.

Please note that this Report excludes food and drink sold via restaurants, cafés, etc and focuses on food and drink bought via supermarkets and other food retailers.

Please note that there is no Market Size and Forecast section for this Report. This is because it is not feasible to accurately measure and quantify. Please refer to the other Mintel Reports of relevance for related information.