Prepared Consumer Foods Sector

Meal solutions recorded growth of 6% to reach €745 million in 2025. The category now accounts for 21% of total PCF exports.

The retail frozen channel in the UK emerged as the primary destination for meal solutions, accounting for 66% of total exports. It is a dynamic retail landscape, with easing inflation, renewed volume growth, and evolving shopper behaviours. Promotions have surged, while online channels continue to attract more shoppers, balancing smaller baskets with increased frequency. 

Growth in Irish bakery exports was more moderate in 2025, reaching €330 million.

Sweet bakery performed well, while sweet treats were slightly behind in volume, albeit with increased purchase frequency which led export values to grow 6% to €120 million.

Bread exporters continue to focus on valueadded offerings in the UK through strong innovation and quality to support their share in an increasingly price-sensitive market.

Innovation pipelines are strong, and bakery exporters are committed to strengthening their position with UK customers in both retail and foodservice. 

2025 saw some reprieve from the record high cocoa prices of 2024. However, the market remained volatile as supply constraints persisted.

Irish chocolate exports showed positive value growth during 2025, recording an increase of €90 million, up 28%. Despite stable volumes, this represents a robust performance, well ahead of the global market (Barry Callebaut, 2024).

Irish chocolatiers responded to increased demand for functional chocolate,
while continuing to focus on premiumisation. Innovation in formats to drive more affordable propositions in both brand and private label also delivered strong results.