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2026 Developments
Dairy products and alternatives in Ireland records resilient value growth in 2026 as the market transitions from inflation-led expansion to growth driven by innovation, product mix and value-added positioning. Falling commodity prices and retailer-led price cuts intensify competition across staples such as milk and butter, increasing pressure across the supply chain while reinforcing the importance of differentiation. Protein-rich products, snacking formats and premium dairy continue to support value growth, while consolidation among processors reshapes the industry and strengthens investment in higher-value innovation. Looking ahead, growth is expected to depend increasingly on products that can command a premium through functionality, convenience, speciality positioning and strong consumer relevance rather than through price increases alone.
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Overview:
Understand the latest market trends and future growth opportunities for the Dairy Products and Alternatives industry in Ireland with research from Euromonitor International's team of in-country analysts – experts by industry and geographic specialisation.
Key trends are clearly and succinctly summarised alongside the most current research data available. Understand and assess competitive threats and plan corporate strategy with our qualitative analysis, insight and confident growth projections.
Data and analysis in this report provides further detailed coverage dedicated to a comprehensive range of core packaged food categories.
If you're in the Dairy Products and Alternatives industry in Ireland, our research will help you to make informed, intelligent decisions; to recognise and profit from opportunity, or to offer resilience amidst market uncertainty.
The Dairy Products and Alternatives in Ireland report includes:
- Analysis of key supply-side and demand trends
- Detailed segmentation of international and local products
- Historic volume and value sizes, company and brand market shares
- Five year forecasts of market trends and market growth
- Robust and transparent research methodology, conducted in-country
This report answers:
- What is the market size of Dairy Products and Alternatives in Ireland?
- Which are the leading brands in Dairy Products and Alternatives in Ireland?
- How are products distributed in Dairy Products and Alternatives in Ireland?
- How is the rise of e-commerce and/or the expansion of modern grocery retail impacting traditional retail?
- What are the key health and wellness concerns driving, or challenging, sales in Dairy Products and Alternatives?
- How significant are vegan and vegetarian dietary requirements in determining sales growth in Ireland?
- How has COVID-19 impacted consumer demand? To what extent have lockdown, home seclusion and stockpiling boosted sales? Will the longer term economic repercussions of the pandemic stimulate or suppress future growth?
- Where is future growth expected to be most dynamic?
- How significant will values-based claims, such as sustainability and ethical labelling, be in supporting future growth and brand equity?
Dairy Products and Alternatives in Ireland
2026 Developments
Key Data Insights
Chart 1 Key Industry Trends for Dairy Products and Alternatives
Price Cuts Shift Growth From Inflation to Volume and Mix
Dairy Pricing Pressures Reshape Supply, Scale and Investment
Chart 2 Irish Supermarkets Cut Milk and Butter Prices across the Board as the Dairy Price War Spreads
Protein Innovation Underpins Value Growth across Dairy
Chart 3 Value Sales 2021-2031
Chart 4 Value Sales by Category 2026
Value Growth Is Expected to Depend on Product Mix Rather Than Pricing
Supply Security Is Expected to Become a Defining Industry Challenge
Chart 5 Analyst Insight for Dairy Products and Alternatives
Consolidation Is Expected to Reshape the Structure of Irish Dairy
Chart 6 Forecast Value Sales 2021-2031
Chart 7 Forecast Value Sales by Category 2026-2031
Private Label Gains Ground as Consolidation Reshapes Competition
Protein-Rich Snacking and Premium Niches Create Opportunities beyond the Market Leaders
Chart 8 Company Shares 2026
Chart 9 Brand Shares 2026
Discounters Gain Share as Supermarkets Defend Their Position
Provenance-Led Concepts and E-Commerce Expand Routes to Market
Chart 10 Retail Channels 2021-2026
Snacking Formats Create New Occasions beyond the Lunchbox
Protein Positioning Expands into Premium and Specialist Dairy
Chart 11 Avonmore Protein Milk Renews Gaa Deal and Repositions Protein as Everyday Wellness for All
Provenance and Quality Help Smaller Producers Compete for Premium Value
Chart 12 Economic Context for Dairy Products and Alternatives
Chart 13 Real Gdp Growth 2021-2031
Chart 14 Inflation 2021-2031
Chart 15 Consumer Context for Dairy Products and Alternatives
Chart 16 Population 2021-2031
Chart 17 Population by Generation 2026
Chart 18 Consumer Expenditure 2021-2031
Baby Food in Ireland
Key Data Insights
Baby Food Summary
Value Growth Defies Demographic Pressure as Parents Prioritise Premium Nutrition
Aptamil Reinforces Demand for Stage-Specific Nutrition
Lidl and Aldi Strengthen Retailer Credibility in Infant Formula
Chart 19 Value Sales 2021-2031
Chart 20 Value Sales by Category 2026
Private Label Is Set to Reinforce a More Polarised Baby Food Market
Plant-Based Nutrition Is Poised to Create Long-Term Opportunities Despite Regulatory Hurdles
Age-Specific Nutrition Is Set to Extend Formula Usage beyond Infancy
Chart 21 Forecast Value Sales 2021-2031
Chart 22 Forecast Value Sales by Category 2026-2031
Nutricia Aptamil Retains Leadership as Brand Trust Continues to Shape Competition
Established Brands Maintain Their Advantage in a Mature Market
Chart 23 Company Shares 2026
Chart 24 Brand Shares 2026
Supermarkets Remain the Leading Channel as Discounters Strengthen Their Position
E-Commerce Expands but Remains Secondary to Physical Retail
Chart 25 Retail Channels 2021-2026
Chart 26 Economic Context for Baby Food
Chart 27 Real Gdp Growth 2021-2031
Chart 28 Inflation 2021-2031
Chart 29 Consumer Context for Baby Food
Chart 30 Population 2021-2031
Chart 31 Population by Generation 2026
Chart 32 Consumer Expenditure 2021-2031
Butter and Spreads in Ireland
Key Data Insights
Butter and Spreads Summary
Price Cuts Slow Value Growth as Butter Remains Central to Everyday Consumption
Falling Dairy Prices Reset Competition across Butter and Spreads
Chart 33 Kerrygold Butter Cut by 9 Percent as Irish Retailers Pull the Brand into the Price War
Heritage and Brand Equity Help Butter Defend Its Premium
Chart 34 Kerrygold Turns the Irish Crisp Sandwich into a Global Celebration of Everyday Butter Indulgence
Chart 35 Value Sales 2021-2031
Chart 36 Value Sales by Category 2026
Premium Formats Are Expected to Drive Value Growth as Pricing Stabilises
Natural Positioning Is Set to Widen the Gap between Butter and Spreads
Export Markets Are Expected to Shape the Economics of Irish Butter
Chart 37 Forecast Value Sales 2021-2031
Chart 38 Forecast Value Sales by Category 2026-2031
Kerrygold's Price Cuts Help Branded Butter Defend Share against Private Label
Farmer-Owned Dairy Groups Gain Scale through Consolidation
Chart 39 Company Shares 2026
Chart 40 Brand Shares 2026
Butter Price Cuts Reinforce the Dominance of Store-Based Retail
E-Commerce Increases Price Transparency across Retailers
Chart 41 Retail Channels 2021-2026
Chart 42 Economic Context for Butter and Spreads
Chart 43 Real Gdp Growth 2021-2031
Chart 44 Inflation 2021-2031
Chart 45 Consumer Context for Butter and Spreads
Chart 46 Population 2021-2031
Chart 47 Population by Generation 2026
Chart 48 Consumer Expenditure 2021-2031
Cheese in Ireland
Key Data Insights
Cheese Summary
Cheese Remains the Last Dairy Staple under Pricing Pressure
Cheddar Inflation Reshapes Competition across Irish Cheese
Chart 49 Irish Cheddar Climbs 95 Cent a Kilo as Cheese Leads Dairy Inflation on Irish Shelves
Protein and Snacking Continue to Expand Cheese Consumption on Occasions
Chart 50 Charleville High Protein Slices Bring Protein Claims to the Everyday Irish Cheese Aisle
Chart 51 Value Sales 2021-2031
Chart 52 Value Sales by Category 2026
Premium Formats Are Expected to Take over From Inflation as the Main Growth Driver
Protein and Snacking Are Expected to Attract Increasing Innovation Investment
Consolidation Is Expected to Strengthen Investment in Value-Added Cheese
Chart 53 Forecast Value Sales 2021-2031
Chart 54 Forecast Value Sales by Category 2026-2031
Kinisla's Transition to Farmer Ownership Accelerates Consolidation across Cheese
Protein, Snacking and Wellness Create Opportunities beyond Commodity Cheddar
Chart 55 Company Shares 2026
Chart 56 Brand Shares 2026
Supermarkets Maintain Leadership as Discounters Benefit From Trading Down
E-Commerce Extends Reach across Mainstream and Speciality Cheese
Chart 57 Retail Channels 2021-2026
Chart 58 Economic Context for Cheese
Chart 59 Real Gdp Growth 2021-2031
Chart 60 Inflation 2021-2031
Chart 61 Consumer Context for Cheese
Chart 62 Population 2021-2031
Chart 63 Population by Generation 2026
Chart 64 Consumer Expenditure 2021-2031
Drinking Milk Products in Ireland
Key Data Insights
Drinking Milk Products Summary
Price Cuts Bring Inflation-Driven Growth to an End
Retail Price Competition Increases Pressure across the Supply Chain
Chart 65 Lidl Triggers First Irish Supermarket Milk Price Cuts since 2023, Sparking a Price War
Value-Added Milk Products Support Premiumisation beyond Plain Milk
Chart 66 Avonmore Protein Milk Moves From Sports Fuel to Everyday Wellness with Five-Year Gaa Deal
Chart 67 Value Sales 2021-2031
Chart 68 Value Sales by Category 2026
Protein-Enriched and Fortified Milk Products Are Expected to Drive Value Growth
Retail Price Pressure Is Expected to Persist in Plain Milk
Winter Milk Supply Is Expected to Become a Defining Challenge
Chart 69 Forecast Value Sales 2021-2031
Chart 70 Forecast Value Sales by Category 2026-2031
Private Label Gains Ground as Price Pressure Intensifies Competition
Co-Operative Consolidation Strengthens All-Island Milk Supply
Chart 71 Company Shares 2026
Chart 72 Brand Shares 2026
Milk Price Competition Reinforces the Role of Store-Based Retail
Provenance-Led Models and E-Commerce Broaden Routes to Market
Chart 73 Retail Channels 2021-2026
Chart 74 Economic Context for Drinking Milk Products
Chart 75 Real Gdp Growth 2021-2031
Chart 76 Inflation 2021-2031
Chart 77 Consumer Context for Drinking Milk Products
Chart 78 Population 2021-2031
Chart 79 Population by Generation 2026
Chart 80 Consumer Expenditure 2021-2031
Yoghurt and Sour Milk Products in Ireland
Key Data Insights
Yoghurt and Sour Milk Products Summary
Cost Pressures Sustain Value Growth While Deepening Polarisation
Private Label Gains Ground While Brands Compete through Functionality
Chart 81 Pricing Pressure Forces Retailers to Turn Functional Yoghurt into an Affordable Everyday Staple
Everyday Wellness Expands Yoghurt's Role beyond the Breakfast Table
Chart 82 Everyday Wellness Trend Drives Glenisk to Launch Coffee-Infused High-Protein Yoghurts as Daily Health Solutions
Chart 83 Value Sales 2021-2031
Chart 84 Value Sales by Category 2026
Everyday Wellness Is Expected to Support Continued Growth in Value-Added Yoghurt
Private Label Is Expected to Strengthen Its Position in Standard Yoghurt
High-Protein and Fermented Dairy Are Expected to Remain the Most Dynamic Areas of Innovation
Chart 85 Forecast Value Sales 2021-2031
Chart 86 Forecast Value Sales by Category 2026-2031
Private Label and Wellness Positioning Reshape Competitive Dynamics
Glenilen and Killowen Build Share through Wellness-Led Innovation
Chart 87 Company Shares 2026
Chart 88 Brand Shares 2026
Discounters Gain Share as Value and Wellness Shape Yoghurt Purchases
E-Commerce and Alternative Formats Expand Access to Wellness Dairy
Chart 89 Retail Channels 2021-2026
Chart 90 Economic Context for Yoghurt and Sour Milk Products
Chart 91 Real Gdp Growth 2021-2031
Chart 92 Inflation 2021-2031
Chart 93 Consumer Context for Yoghurt and Sour Milk Products
Chart 94 Population 2021-2031
Chart 95 Population by Generation 2026
Chart 96 Consumer Expenditure 2021-2031
Other Dairy in Ireland
Key Data Insights
Other Dairy Summary
Value Growth Holds as Functional Products Command a Premium
High-Protein Snacks and Gut Health Products Drive Growth
Chart 97 Müller’S Myprotein Partnership Transforms Traditional Dairy Treats into High-Protein Everyday Snacks
Dessert-Style Dairy Expands beyond Traditional Indulgence Occasions
Chart 98 Valio’S Profeel Launch in Ireland Proves Indulgent Dairy Treats Can Deliver Nutritional Benefits
Chart 99 Value Sales 2021-2031
Chart 100 Value Sales by Category 2026
Protein-Enriched and Dairy Snacks Are Expected to Drive Value Growth
Affordable Indulgence Reinforces the Divide between Value and Premium Products
Portable Formats Expand Other Dairy beyond Traditional Consumption Occasions
Chart 101 Forecast Value Sales 2021-2031
Chart 102 Forecast Value Sales by Category 2026-2031
Private Label and Protein-Rich Products Reshape Competitive Dynamics
Irish Challengers Gain Momentum through Protein-Rich and Convenience-Led Products
Chart 103 Company Shares 2026
Chart 104 Brand Shares 2026
Discounters and Convenience Retailers Gain Share as Purchasing Occasions Diversify
E-Commerce Remains Complementary to Store-Based Retail
Chart 105 Retail Channels 2021-2026
Chart 106 Economic Context for Other Dairy
Chart 107 Real Gdp Growth 2021-2031
Chart 108 Inflation 2021-2031
Chart 109 Consumer Context for Other Dairy
Chart 110 Population 2021-2031
Chart 111 Population by Generation 2026
Chart 112 Consumer Expenditure 2021-2031
Plant-Based Dairy in Ireland
Key Data Insights
Plant-Based Dairy Summary
Value Growth Holds as Functional Products Command a Premium
Protein, Probiotics and Clean-Label Positioning Strengthen Appeal
Chart 113 Local Oat Brand Taps Everyday Wellness Launches Barista Oat Milk
Price Pressure Reinforces the Shift Towards Value and Everyday Usage Occasions
Chart 114 Cost-Of-Living Squeeze Drives Discounter to Price Plant-Based Milk at near Dairy Levels
Chart 115 Value Sales 2021-2031
Chart 116 Value Sales by Category 2026
Nutritional Value and Affordability Are Expected to Support Broader Adoption
Plant-Based Milk Remains Dominant as Plant-Based Yoghurt Gains Momentum
Private Label and Local Sourcing Are Expected to Shape Competitive Positioning
Chart 117 Forecast Value Sales 2021-2031
Chart 118 Forecast Value Sales by Category 2026-2031
Private Label and Local Challengers Chip Away at Alpro's Dominance
Irish Brands Build Momentum through Local Sourcing and Functional Positioning
Chart 119 Company Shares 2026
Chart 120 Brand Shares 2026
Discounters Gain Share through Affordable Oat and Soy Drinks
E-Commerce Remains Secondary to Store-Based Retail
Chart 121 Retail Channels 2021-2026
Chart 122 Economic Context for Plant-Based Dairy
Chart 123 Real Gdp Growth 2021-2031
Chart 124 Inflation 2021-2031
Chart 125 Consumer Context for Plant-Based Dairy
Chart 126 Population 2021-2031
Chart 127 Population by Generation 2026
Chart 128 Consumer Expenditure 2021-2031
Country Reports Disclaimer
The following categories and subcategories are included:
Dairy Products and Alternatives
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- Dried Baby Food
- Prepared Baby Food
- Other Baby Food
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- Liquid Standard Milk Formula
- Powder Standard Milk Formula
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- Liquid Follow-on Milk Formula
- Powder Follow-on Milk Formula
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- Liquid Growing-Up Milk Formula
- Powder Growing-Up Milk Formula
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- Liquid Special Baby Milk Formula
- Powder Special Baby Milk Formula
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- Butter
- Cooking Fats
- Margarine and Spreads
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- Spreadable Cheese
- Processed Cheese excl Spreadable
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- Packaged Hard Cheese
- Unpackaged Hard Cheese
- Soft Cheese
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- Dairy Only Flavoured Milk Drinks
- Flavoured Milk Drinks with Fruit Juice
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- Fat-free Fresh Milk
- Semi Skimmed Fresh Milk
- Full Fat Fresh Milk
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- Fat-free Shelf Stable Milk
- Semi Skimmed Shelf Stable Milk
- Full Fat Shelf Stable Milk
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- Goat Milk
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- Powder Milk
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- Sour Milk Products
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- Drinking Yoghurt
- Flavoured Yoghurt
- Plain Yoghurt
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- Chilled Dairy Desserts
- Shelf Stable Dairy Desserts
- Chilled Snacks
- Coffee Whiteners
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- Flavoured Condensed Milk
- Plain Condensed Milk
- Evaporated Milk
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- Cream
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- Flavoured Fromage Frais and Quark
- Plain Fromage Frais and Quark
- Savoury Fromage Frais and Quark
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- Soy Drinks
- Other Plant-based Milk
- Plant-based Yoghurt
- Plant-based Cheese
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This report originates from Passport, our Dairy Products and Alternatives research and analysis database.
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