An Ennis restaurateur says inflation difficulties are causing a ‘wildfire’ for the hospitality sector to deal with.
It’s after new research suggested Irish consumers are changing their behaviour in response to the cost-of-living crisis.
Recent analysis from Bord Bia suggests food inflation is causing Irish people to change their shopping behaviour, as well as their attitudes towards food and drink.
More of us are shopping for essential items according to the research, with meat purchases falling drastically, except for chicken.
The numbers eating in restaurants has fallen by 62 percent, while for cafes there has been a 55 percent drop.
Frank Landy of Sweet ‘n’ Green based in Lifford in Ennis says more Government supports for the industry may be needed throughout 2023.
The issue has also prompted fresh calls from farmers for greater efforts to strike a balance between developing more sustainable farms and being financially viable.
Farmers are grappling with working towards a 25 percent reductions target in carbon emissions under the Government’s Climate Action Plan while inflation continues to spiral.
Cratloe-based General Secretary of the Irish Cattle & Sheep Farmers Association Eddie Punch says greater support at European level may be needed.
