As the trend for healthier eating and plant based food continues there are a myriad of options for eating out in Ireland. There are nearly nine thousand restaurants and takeaways alone. Other establishments include pubs, cafes, pop up restaurants, wine bars, food trucks and artisan bakeries. There are numerous festivals offering a wide choice of food such as the Burren Slow Food Festival, Clarinbridge Galway Oyster Festival and The Big Grill Festival in Dublin. From small independent run eateries to five star hotels, all offer a different atmosphere and dining experience.
Ireland has over one hundred restaurants listed in the Michelin Guide, some of which have Michelin stars.These coveted awards are given for culinary excellence and are highly prestigious. The importance of industry awards cannot be overstated and can significantly increase business.
Some trends in the industry are a preference for brunch and eating out earlier, locally sourced, seasonal, sustainable food and a move away from tasting menus to a la carte. Food and technology continue to merge. Mobile apps are used for food delivery, social media such as TikTok for restaurant reviews and QR codes for placing orders when out for dinner. Robotic waiters, milk vending machines and packaging that fights bacteria are just some of the ways that technology is revolutionising the food industry.
The food delivery and takeaway market is estimated to be worth over $2 billion annually with companies such Just East, UberEats and Deliveroo operating in Ireland. Nearly a quarter of consumers now order their groceries through food delivery services and would give preference to a restaurant with sustainable packaging.
This thriving sector offers a wide range of interesting career opportunities and working environments. You could work as a waiter, chef or food and beverage manager in the tourism/ hospitality sector or in a business/marketing role in a commercial setting. Food delivery companies require couriers, driver co-ordinators and operations managers. You could open your own restaurant or café or you may prefer to sell your produce online, at farmers markets or food festivals.
Other career options in the food and drink sector include food and agri business, dietetics, nutritionist, sustainability, global supply chain, food compliance regulation, government departments e.g. food safety organisations & regulatory bodies, food journalism, health promotion, health & safety auditor.