Almost 85% of people in Ireland actively seek out locally sourced Irish produce when dining out – new Guaranteed Irish research
- 80% consider whether restaurants or hotels offer seasonal Irish ingredients
- 97% now more likely to spend money on local produce when dining out compared to pre-pandemic
- 99% think staying in Irish hotels or B&Bs and eating local food helps preserve Irish jobs
84% of Irish people say that locally sourced Irish produce plays a significant role when deciding where to dine out, according to new research conducted by Guaranteed Irish, the business membership network supporting 1600 homegrown and multinational businesses in Ireland.
Eight in ten Irish people also consider whether the restaurant or hotel they are considering offers seasonal Irish ingredients, while nearly all respondents (97%) said they are now more likely to spend money on local produce when they go for a meal or drinks in comparison to pre-pandemic times.
Importantly, almost everyone (99%) feels that staying in Irish hotels or B&Bs and eating local food helps to preserve Irish jobs and Irish communities. As the hospitality sector in Ireland cautiously reopens amid the Covid-19 pandemic, these findings from Guaranteed Irish will come as a welcome boost to the Irish hospitality, tourism and food / drink sector.
Further insights from the Guaranteed Irish research include:
- 93% say they prefer to consume local foods at breakfast when staying in a hotel/B&B
- 96% associate local, seasonal food with sustainability
- 97% say they associate this type of food with wellness
- 98% associate local produce in restaurants with a greener environment and low carbon miles
Brid O’Connell, CEO of Guaranteed Irish, said:
“July is tourism and hospitality month at Guaranteed Irish so these statistics are welcome news to our members across the sector. The results clearly indicate a consumer desire to support local restaurants, hotels and B&B’s and, in turn, local food and beverage producers so use it where appropriate on your menus, your marketing material and all points of consumer contact. This should have a positive impact on businesses as they reopen and return to normality. As our research illustrates, the importance of buying Irish from both an individual or business perspective is significant at the minute and by carrying the Guaranteed Irish symbol, businesses are reinforcing this message and building instant brand awareness with potential customers.”
“Other factors we are urging restauranteurs and publicans to consider when it comes to marketing their service and appealing to consumer needs is to ensure the origin of their produce is visible on the menu and online advertising, highlight their brand story and background, and place more emphasis on the quality and freshness of their produce.”
Guaranteed Irish champions a network of 1,600 member businesses, employing over 100,000 people across Ireland, and generating an annual combined Irish turnover of €10bn. The iconic Guaranteed Irish symbol is the national symbol of trust and provenance in Ireland, and is awarded to businesses based in Ireland that support sustainable jobs, contribute to our local communities, and are committed to Irish provenance.
