FDI Business Monitor Issue 3 2025

Ireland’s economy has remained resilient during 2025. However, factors such as a slowing global economy, and rising geopolitical and market volatility, may signal more challenging times ahead. Following a sharp decline earlier in 2025, consumer sentiment has stabilised, though at a lower level than in 2024. Overall, Ireland’s food and drink industry remains resilient, forward-looking, and strong both at home and abroad, with monthly exports of €1.43bn, and imports relatively constant at €0.97bn. In preparation for Budget 2026, Food Drink Ireland engaged substantially with key decision-makers to highlight the importance of the food and drink sector to Ireland’s economy, and the numerous cost pressures faced by businesses.

In November, FDI launched a new Prepared Consumer Foods Strategy for Ireland 2025-2035, with the vision to foster a vibrant, competitive and growing PCF sector that enriches lives, economies, and our planet. Five strategic pillars will support this vision: Competitiveness, People, Innovation, Sustainability, and Health. Each pillar includes key policy recommendations and industry initiatives to be advanced within the lifetime of the current Government to enable the sector to meet its potential.