Close-up of an Irish beef burger with meat, vegetables and bacon on a rustic background. Irish Big Burger Boom: Fast Food Frenzy Watching Scaffolding Soar for Beefy Snacks. Meat lovers are pleased as the Irish burger boom excludes vegans in the cold. Credit: Shutterstock, Anna Bogush
Love with Irish fast food is hot. And it’s a burger that’s taking away a juicy bite from the competition.
New figures reveal that Irish fast food footprints rose by 5% in the last quarter of 2024, with the burger chain leading the charge. In fact, between 2023 and 24, a whopping 7.8% of customers flocked to the burger joints, making them the king who was not easily bitten.
Pizza and coffee shops aren’t too late, but the real point here is that the Irish fast food sector is thriving. In the UK it looks like a cold, old chip.
The advantage of Irish appetite fuel fast food
Unlike the UK’s struggling fast food market, Ireland’s economy is helping to provide stronger consumer spending. According to Trading Economics, the UK’s growth was raw at just 1%, but Irish consumers jumped out another 4%. That extra cash was turned over more burgers, sliced pizza and converted directly into takeout cups.
But it’s not just that burgers and pizza get slices of action. Chicken shops, bakeries, sandwich joints and ethnic eateries also feel the heat, riding on the waves of Ireland’s vibrant fast food culture.
Meat lovers vs. Vegan: The Burger War gets hot in Ireland
Not everyone is flipping through with joy while burgers are in the glory of the Irish fast food boom. For vegans, the surge in meat quality is a bitter medicine to swallow. Rather, they refuse to bite.
When Ireland’s burger traffic gets hot, plant-based eaters are asking, “Where is our boom?” Despite the rise of meatless alternatives, the numbers don’t lie. Beef is the boss of the Irish fast food scene.
The burgers were amazing, but is the tide turning?
Vegan options have invaded, but the reality is clear. The burger joints dominate, and the roost is the classic beef patty. Although it boasts plant-based alternatives, even the largest fast food chains still cover the greatest benefits from meat lovers.
Is this the beginning of a food fight for age? Plant-based movements merely point to growth in health and environmental trends, and some argue that plant-based movements are on the rise. Others say it’s not a contest – Ireland loves its beef, and the numbers prove it. However, there are some encouraging numbers that drip out of the provider. A third of Irish consumers reportedly buy more plant-based products, according to a 2023 Autry study. McDonald’s also reported high demand for McPlant Burger. Become independent I’m going back to 2022.
What’s behind the surge?
The numbers suggest that Irish diners not only eat out more, but they do so more often – and in their favorite fast food chain. The growth of similar (L4L) stores has surpassed 2% in both burger and pizza categories, enhancing customers not only walking down the door but coming back for a few seconds.
And the opportunity doesn’t stop there. Irish fast food markets are packed with dense outlets. This means competition is intense, but there is also the possibility of fresh ideas.
But for now, Irish diners have proven unquestionable. When it comes to fast food, they love it.
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