FDI Business Monitor Issue 2 2026

The FDI Business Monitor brings you the latest insights into the retail, economic, and consumer trends shaping Ireland’s food and drink sector.

This edition of the Monitor comes at a time of significant cost pressures on the sector. Geopolitical friction, particularly the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, continues to drive persistently high rude oil costs, which inevitably cascade down to high energy and fuel costs for businesses in Ireland. However, the current input cost increases extend far beyond energy and transport, to all of the main cost headings, including labour, raw materials and packaging. The impact of these increases on consumer prices will likely be seen in future editions of the FDI Business Monitor.  

In response to member feedback, we have expanded our analysis to include a more comprehensive view of food commodity indices, alongside critical data on gas, oil, and transport fuel prices. To  maximise accessibility, our redesigned format now features clear explainers for every metric tracked, ensuring the data is as actionable as possible.