What you need to know

Irish consumers are more likely to think that the UK’s (including NI) departure from the EU will have a negative impact on the economy than a positive impact. Consumers think that Brexit will see the cost of food, drink and utilities increase, indicating that cost of living increases are a key concern among Irish consumers.

Despite this, supporting local food and drink producers after the UK (including NI) has left the EU is important to consumers. Highlighting product origin will help brands to increase their appeal among Irish consumers who will favour products with a high local content as they look to support their local economies post-Brexit.

Issues covered in the Report

This Report examines Irish consumers’ hopes and fears regarding the UK’s departure from the EU. Indeed, the island of Ireland has been an important consideration within the UK/EU negotiations since the referendum on EU membership took place in June 2016 as NI is the only part of the UK with a land border with the RoI and therefore the EU.

The UK’s departure from the EU is a highly political issue. It is therefore difficult to escape the political dimension to this issue and references to it. However, this Report will focus on NI and RoI consumers’ hopes and fears regarding Brexit and how it will impact their lives and what it means for companies operating on the island. This Report will make no comment on the political situation regarding the UK’s departure from the European Union or political issues specifically related to Ireland (eg border poll).

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