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Bord Bia

Welcome to the July Edition of Bord Bia's Ireland Market Foodservice Newsletter 

This week marks the announcement from Met Eireann of another summer heatwave, which in turn bodes well for Staycations. At the end of May, Bank of Ireland was already predicting an increase in summer staycations. Their credit card data suggesting the sector entered 2026 with positive momentum, with a majority of hotels reporting stable occupancy and strong average room rates through to end of May. As parts of Europe continue to battle temperatures close to 40C, the prospect of holidaying in Ireland becomes more attractive.

 

Monthly Spotlight: Why Smaller is Becoming Smarter in Foodservice

After years of pursuing larger footprints, extended trading hours and greater capacity, a growing number of foodservice operators are recognising that growth does not always have to mean getting bigger. Faced with rising labour costs, margin pressure and increasingly fragmented consumer occasions, many are instead focusing on smaller, more efficient operating models that prioritise profitability, flexibility and consistency over scale alone.

This shift is becoming visible across the Irish market. Camile Thai Kitchen continues to expand its compact “Petite Camile” format, opening in locations such as Dublin Connolly Station and other high-footfall commuter and travel hubs. Designed around speed, simplicity and efficiency, the format reflects growing demand for convenience while minimising operational complexity. Similarly, in the US, Chipotle has made its smaller format Chipotlane restaurants a key part of its growth strategy, prioritising digital ordering, streamlined operations and efficient use of space over larger traditional dining areas.

For Irish food and drink suppliers, the trend signals a changing definition of growth. As operators streamline menus, reduce complexity and optimise space, suppliers that can help deliver operational efficiency, menu versatility and strong margins are likely to be best placed to succeed. The opportunity increasingly lies in sharper, more focused concepts that deliver a clear point of difference, rather than simply operating at greater scale.

General Industry News 

VAT Cut Delivers Boost for Hospitality Sector

RTÉ News – 30.06.2026

The VAT rate on food and catering services has been reduced from 13.5% to 9% from 1 July 2026, delivering a welcome boost for Ireland’s hospitality sector. Announced in Budget 2026, the measure is expected to support more than 150,000 jobs and ease cost pressures facing foodservice operators, particularly those operating on tight margins. The reduction should provide valuable breathing space for foodservice businesses at a time when consumer spending remains cautious, and trading conditions remain challenging.

Ireland’s EU Presidency Puts Food & Hospitality Centre Stage

Ireland.ie - 01.07.2026

Ireland assumed the Presidency of the Council of the European Union on 1 July, placing the country at the heart of EU decision-making for the next six months. The Presidency will focus on competitiveness, security and European values, while also leading discussions on key issues affecting the agri-food sector.

For Irish foodservice, the Presidency presents a unique opportunity to showcase Ireland’s food, hospitality and supplier base to European policymakers, business leaders and international visitors. Increased political and business engagement can create opportunities for suppliers, producers and operators to strengthen relationships, highlight Ireland’s food credentials and raise the profile of the sector on a European stage. 

 

Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) & Pub Sector 

Irish Burger Brand Earns Global Recognition as Bunsen Cracks Top 30

Hospitality Ireland – 19.06.2026 

Irish burger chain Bunsen has earned global recognition, ranking 23rd in the World’s 101 Best Burger Places list, highlighting the brand’s growing international credibility. Judged on criteria including product quality, consistency and customer experience, the ranking positions Bunsen alongside leading operators in cities such as London and Sydney, with the Irish chain placing ahead of established names in New York and Paris—reinforcing the strength of simple, quality-led QSR concepts and Ireland’s rising presence in premium fast-casual.

Changing Times Brewery Targets UK Growth

RTÉ News – 30.06.2026

Dublin’s Changing Times Brewery has entered the UK market less than two years after launching, with the move expected to drive sales growth of over 30% in 2026. Backed by €1.8m from leading Irish publicans, the Glasnevin-based brewer generated over €1.2m in its first full year and has secured listings in 50+ UK venues through distributor Inn Express, including major pub groups in London and Manchester. The expansion reflects strong demand for premium Irish craft beer, with the brand now producing a five-strong draft range brewed in Dublin.

 

Hotel & Restaurant Sector 

Ireland’s Hotel Sector Continues to Shine

Hospitality Ireland – 30.06.2026

Ireland’s hotel sector continues to outperform many European markets, with Savills Ireland reporting that Dublin hotels exceeded 90% occupancy on 146 nights over the past year and achieved an average occupancy rate of 84.1%, well above the European average of 71.7%. The findings reflect strong demand from business travel, tourism and major events, while growing interest in regional destinations centred on food, heritage, wellness, golf and nature-based experiences is creating opportunities beyond the capital. Strong spending by overseas visitors, particularly from the US, continues to support the sector’s positive outlook and future investment potential.

Mark Moriarty to Open First Dublin Restaurant

RTÉ News – 02.07.2026

The launch of chef Mark Moriarty’s new Dublin venue highlights the growing role of experience-led dining concepts within Ireland’s restaurant sector. Opening in Wilton Park this August, the venue combines a restaurant, content studio and event space, reflecting how operators are increasingly diversifying beyond traditional restaurant models. Featuring limited-seat tasting menu experiences alongside private dining, the concept has already generated significant consumer interest, underlining continued demand for unique and premium dining occasions despite ongoing challenges across the hospitality industry.

 

Forecourt Convenience & Coffee Shops

Maxol wins major European award for newly developed Dublin store

Shelf Life – 29.06.2026

Maxol has strengthened Ireland’s position in the European convenience sector, with its Long Mile Road site in Dublin named NACS Convenience Store of the Year Europe 2026. The award recognises the €4.5 million redevelopment of the site into a modern roadside destination, combining an expanded Maxol Deli with brands including Zambrero, Burger King drive-thru and ROSA Coffee, alongside an enhanced grocery offer and digital ordering kiosks. The project reflects a broader shift towards food-led, experience-driven forecourt formats and forms part of Maxol’s wider €175 million investment strategy to upgrade its network.

Irish Cafés Shine in Europe’s Top 100

RTÉ News – 01.07.2026 

Nine Irish cafés were named in Europe’s 100 Best Coffee Shops, led by Galway’s Coffeewerk + Press at No.5. Dublin’s Unfiltered Coffee (No.16) and Brew Lab (No.25) also ranked strongly, with additional cafés in Galway, Drogheda, Killarney, Tullamore, Carlow and Dublin highlighting the breadth of Ireland’s specialty coffee offering.

The strong Irish showing reflects the continued rise of premium, craft-led coffee, with operators combining technical excellence and high-quality food to deliver more experience-driven, community-focused café concepts.