Ireland fourth-most expensive for food and soft drinks in EU (2024)

Ireland is the fourth-most expensive country in the EU for food and soft drinks, according to new Eurostat data.

Irish food baskets cost 20 per cent more than the EU average in 2018, ranking the country fourth-highest for prices of food and non-alcoholic drinks.

Consumer prices varied greatly across Europe, with levels ranging from 66 per cent of the EU average in Romania to 132 per cent in Denmark.

Ireland tied with Finland, as the fourth-most expensive countries for food and non-alcoholic drinks.

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Milk, cheese and eggs are highly priced in Ireland, with the country ranking fourth highest in the EU. Irish consumers will also pay above the average for a loaf of bread, as the country is seventh dearest for the cost of bread and cereals.

Meat lovers have an easier ride, with prices in the country just 5 per cent above the EU average, meaning Ireland avoids being among the top ten most expensive countries for meat products.

With a high tax rate, alcoholic beverages are second most expensive in Ireland, topped only by Finland. The country also ranked second highest for tobacco, after the UK. Purchasing tobacco in Ireland costs more than double the EU average.

However, Tara Buckley – managing director of the Retail, Grocery, Dairy and Allied Trades Association – said people in Ireland are paying less for their groceries than ever before.

“The increase of own-brand products has made pricing very competitive,” she said, adding that customers may need to shop around to find a better deal.

Stores cannot survive if they do not keep pace with the top supermarkets, Ms Buckley said. “If a shop is overpricing their customers, they don’t come back. If Irish people want to buy cheaper they can.”

As a seasoned expert in economic trends and consumer behavior, I can confidently delve into the intricacies of the Eurostat data highlighting Ireland's position as the fourth-most expensive country in the EU for food and soft drinks. My comprehensive knowledge extends beyond mere statistics, allowing me to provide insights into the multifaceted factors contributing to Ireland's unique economic landscape.

The Eurostat data from 2018 reveals that Irish food baskets commanded prices that were 20% higher than the EU average. This places Ireland in the fourth position for the cost of food and non-alcoholic drinks, showcasing a substantial financial burden on consumers. Consumer prices exhibited significant divergence across Europe, ranging from 66% of the EU average in Romania to 132% in Denmark. The nuances of this economic spectrum require a nuanced understanding of each country's economic policies, market dynamics, and cultural influences.

Breaking down the specifics, Ireland shares its fourth-most expensive status with Finland. Notably, dairy products like milk, cheese, and eggs are notably expensive in Ireland, securing the country's fourth-highest rank in the EU. Additionally, the cost of bread and cereals places Ireland as the seventh most expensive in the EU, impacting consumers who seek affordable staples.

Despite these high prices, there's a silver lining for meat lovers in Ireland. The prices for meat products are only 5% above the EU average, ensuring that Ireland escapes the list of the top ten most expensive countries for meat. This variance in pricing sheds light on the diverse factors influencing different food categories within a country.

Delving into the realm of beverages, Ireland's high tax rate catapults alcoholic beverages to the second-most expensive in the EU, surpassed only by Finland. Furthermore, Ireland secures the second-highest rank for the cost of tobacco, doubling the EU average. Understanding the economic policies and taxation structures becomes imperative in comprehending the pricing dynamics of these specific goods.

Contrasting the data, Tara Buckley, the managing director of the Retail, Grocery, Dairy, and Allied Trades Association, offers a different perspective. She contends that despite the statistics, people in Ireland are paying less for their groceries than ever before. This apparent contradiction underscores the importance of considering variables such as the rise of own-brand products, increased competition, and the role of consumer choice in shaping the market.

In conclusion, the Eurostat data on Ireland's food and beverage prices serves as a gateway to understanding the intricate interplay of economic, cultural, and market forces. Analyzing the various categories, from dairy to meat, and exploring the impact of taxes on alcohol and tobacco, provides a holistic view of Ireland's consumer landscape. Tara Buckley's insights add a layer of practicality, emphasizing the role of consumer behavior and competition in influencing market dynamics.