The top Irish food brands saw their sales in Ireland increase by 18% last year to just under €1.1bn, according to analysis commissioned by the trade body Love Irish Food. Irish-owned brands accounted for 44 of the top 100 selling consumer food brands in Ireland last year.

Throughout 2020, this cohort of 44 Irish food brands recorded average sales growth of 18% to just under €1.1bn in combined sales.

Additionally, these 44 brands account for almost 50% of all the money spent by Irish consumers last year on the top 100 selling food brands.

“The contribution of Irish-manufactured food and drink brands to the local and national economies in Ireland is both vital and immense. Love Irish Food aims to educate Irish consumers so that they recognise Irish brands,” said Kieran Rumley, executive director at Love Irish Food.

“Buying more Irish made products helps Irish businesses survive and protects Irish jobs, which is critical in the current climate in the context of the global health pandemic and will be crucial in driving economic recovery,” he added.