An overwhelming majority of Irish people feel that eating out has become too expensive to do on a regular basis, Bord Bia has found. 

The organisation’s annual Foodservice Market Insights report found that the Irish foodservice has exceeded pre-pandemic levels for the first time. 

Last year, the sector was worth €8.2 billion and this year it grew by 13% to €9.3 billion. 

Despite this, 86% of Irish people felt eating out is too expensive to do regularly, compared to 78% of people in Britain. 

“Last year’s major upswing in market growth was a welcome boost to the industry, and it is very positive that the value of the foodservice market this year has exceeded 2019 levels,” Foodservice Specialist Maureen Gahan said. 

“However, the impact of inflation and increased cost of living in general is visible. Although Irish consumers are more pessimistic when looking ahead than other countries surveyed, we have identified key factors motivating consumers when eating out of home that we believe will help those working in the industry to navigate the future.” 

“Our key message to the Irish food and drink companies supplying the sector is to continue to maintain consistency and quality, while also being cognisant that delivering value is more critical than ever before.”

Inflation is due to is forecast to average out at 5.4% this year, 3.2% in 2024 and fall further the year after to 2.3%.

Main image: A restaurant in Kinsale, County Cork.