71% of Irish food businesses focussing on revenue growth according to 2025 Love Irish Food and Bank of Ireland food and beverage industry barometer

Love Irish Food and Bank of Ireland today published the 2025 Food & Beverage Barometer which shows that 71% of Irish food businesses are focussing on revenue growth. Pictured in the fields of McCormack Family Farms are Conor Kilduff, Executive Director, Love Irish Food, Lucy Ryan, Head of Food & Beverage Sector, Bank of Ireland and Stephen McCormack, Managing Director, McCormack Family Farms.

  • 66% plan to invest in enhancing operations; 61% in brand building
  • Wage inflation and economic volatility named among the top threats
  • 2025 barometer presents a realistic yet resilient view of the industry

Over 70% of Irish food and drink businesses remain confident that they can sustain their revenue growth according to the 2025 Food & Beverage Industry Barometer conducted by Love Irish Food and Bank of Ireland.

This year’s Barometer, based on a March 2025 survey of 120 Irish food producers, captures the priorities of a diverse mix of Irish food and drink businesses – ranging from household brand names to high-growth SMEs focussed on local markets.

While operating at varying scales, food and beverage businesses remain aligned in their response to current challenges – with 61% intent on building a stronger brand presence. Respondents also shared their concerns in trying to overcome common industry challenges linked to cost pressures and labour availability (notably accommodation and skills gaps), as well as shifting market dynamics following the imposition by the US Government of 10% tariffs on food and beverage exports.

Two-thirds of food and beverage businesses are now focussed on streamlining and enhancing their operational performance, with sights clearly fixed on further developing their operations in the Irish market. The 2025 survey revealed an 8% annual rise in companies developing a domestic growth strategy, with new customer acquisition and innovation remaining primary goals.

Conor Kilduff, Executive Director, Love Irish Food said: “What the 2025 Barometer shows is not a sector in retreat, but one pivoting strategically. Brands are investing where it counts – in operations, in identity, in people and in reconnecting with Irish consumers.”

Lucy Ryan, Head of Food & Beverage Sector, Bank of Ireland added: “In my daily interactions across the Irish food and beverage sector I am struck by how resilient businesses are. Industry leaders are attuned to shifts in market dynamics, agile in their operations, and constantly innovating to ensure they provide customers with a best-in-class product. Irish food producers are also keenly aware of the environmental benefits to their own bottom line, and with sustainability practises now embedded in 95% of businesses surveyed it bodes well for long-term growth for the sector.”

About the survey:

The survey was carried out on 24 and 25 March 2025 by Bank of Ireland and Love Irish Food, among 120 Irish food SMEs.