- – Market demand in Ireland 12% ahead of UK
- – 54% buy to lead ‘fuller lives’ and have more ‘engaging experiences’
- – 62% consider hot, on-the-go beverages an indulgence; 27% need them to survive
The Irish Food-to-Go market is thriving according to a new study, commissioned by Kepak Group, which has revealed that 99% percent of adults in Ireland have purchased food and drinks to-go.
The statistics show that the demand for food-on-the go in Ireland is ahead of the market in the UK, where 60% of adults purchase food and drinks to-go on a regular (weekly+ basis) compared to 72% of adults who buy such products regularly in Ireland. And the market demands are increasing, with higher percentages of Irish millennials, Gen Z and Gen X making food-to-go purchases on a regular basis.
The research, conducted by Coyne and co-funded by Bord Bia, also shows that 54% of people who make such purchases believe they help them to lead ‘fuller lives’ and have more ‘engaging experiences’, with a further 19% buying for ‘health and wellbeing’ purposes. According to the research, a total of 62% consider hot, on-the-go beverages an indulgence, while 27% admit they need them to ‘survive’ as they lead their busy lives.
The new statistics come as Kepak sponsors a first-of-its-kind international conference and trade show in Dublin to examine the future of the rapidly growing and evolving Food-To-Go market, a segment that includes convenience stores, supermarkets, and petrol stations with forecourt convenience stores.
The total size of the Food-To-Go segment on the Island of Ireland (IoI) in 2018 was €458 million in terms of consumer spending and €160 million in operator purchases, according to the latest research released by Bord Bia*. The research also revealed that the 2019-2022 forecasted growth for consumer spending in the segment is expected to be 5.2% for the I0I.
Commenting, Blathnaid Ni Fhatharta, Marketing Director For Foodservice and Corporate Communications at Kepak, said: “Kepak’s research shows that the Food-to-Go market is truly thriving in Ireland with a high percentage of adults buying food and beverages, hot and cold, to-go on a regular basis. In fact, Ireland is one of the leading markets in Europe for this rapidly growing food trend.”
“The Food-To-Go Summit is an unmissable opportunity for anyone operating in the Food-To-Go space. It will provide an up-close view of the opportunities that are there to be grasped by forward-looking players in the market, while attendees will be inspired by industry experts, best in class operators and innovative suppliers with insights on how to grow their food-to-go offering in terms of scale, innovation and profitability,” she said.
The Food-To-Go Summit is a unique opportunity for attendees to meet new suppliers, network with like-minded companies, engage with award-winning international retailers and be a part of a series of food-centric talks and conversations with some of Europe’s leading experts in Food-To-Go.
Taking place in the Round Room at Dublin’s Mansion House on 21 May 2019, the immersive, full-day event will gather together a panel of expert speakers, award-winning retailers and industry specialists. The conference will also include an Exhibitors’ Hall where suppliers will showcase some of the most exciting ideas, innovative concepts and trending products in the Food-To-Go space.
Final tickets can be purchased at www.foodtogosummit.eu/
Keynote speakers at the Food-To-Go Summit, include:
- – Gavin Rothwell: Head of Food-To-Go & Retail Safaris IGD
- – Maureen Gahan: Foodservice Specialist, Bord Bia
- – Martin Kelleher, Managing Director, Musgrave Retail Partners Ireland
- – Noel Smith, Founder, Fresh: The Good Food Market (Winner of 2018 NACS International Convenience Retailer of the Year)
- – Tormond Lier, Director, Deli De Luca
- – Ross Mooney: Google Ireland
- – Peter Rigney & Brendan Boyle: Creative & Design Directors, TAP Creations
- – Tom Fender: MD, Bolt Learning & former co-owner of HIM shopper research consultancy
- – Shane Kavanagh, Founder, Crussh
- – Charlotte Waring, Food-to-Go Development Manager, Co-Op
