The Irish fast-food chains have shown significant growth in the first nine months of 2024, with the number of outlets belonging to major chains increasing by 3%. As of September 2024, Ireland boasts an average of 28.8 fast-food outlets per 100,000 people. While almost same to the UK's average (28.5), it is far below Northern Ireland (40.7), indicating a promising market for fast-food expansion.
A Closer Look at the Numbers
This growth is primarily driven by the expansion of burger, pizza, and chicken chains. Despite accounting for only 20% of the total number of outlets, major chains in these segments play a disproportionately large role in the market, capturing around 40% of all consumer traffic.
Key formats driving growth:
• Burger Boom: Burger chains have been a major driver of growth, with new openings and expansions contributing to the overall increase.
• Pizza Power: Pizza chains continue to be popular, especially for evening dining.
• Chicken Craze: Chicken-focused chains, both established and new, are gaining traction, particularly in urban areas.
Opportunities for the Future
As the Irish economy continues to grow, the fast-food industry is poised for further expansion. With increasing consumer demand for convenience and diverse culinary options, there are significant opportunities for both domestic and international brands.
To capitalise on this growth, businesses must leverage data-driven insights to optimise their marketing mix. This includes analysing consumer behaviour, market trends, and competitor activity to make informed decisions about product offerings, pricing, promotions, and distribution strategies.
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This article was written in partnership with Meaningful Vision.
