Private Label Food and Drink - Irish Food & Drink

Health and wellness: a growing opportunity for Private Label

Health and wellness have moved firmly into the mainstream. Today’s consumers are taking a more proactive approach to their wellbeing, seeking foods and drinks that support healthier lifestyles, active living, digestive wellness and long-term health. At the same time, they are looking for products that are convenient, affordable and easy to understand. Research shows that consumers increasingly view health through a holistic lens, connecting nutrition, wellbeing, convenience and sustainability in their purchasing decisions.

For retailers, this presents a significant opportunity. Private label products are performing particularly well in functional and everyday food categories, as consumers place increasing trust in retailer brands and seek value without compromising on quality or nutrition. Across Europe, retailers are expanding private label ranges in response to demand for healthier, more functional and more personalised food solutions.

Ireland’s private label manufacturers are well positioned to support this growth. With extensive export experience, strong innovation capabilities and a long-standing focus on responding to changing consumer preferences, Irish producers are helping retailers develop differentiated health and wellness propositions across multiple markets.

Origin Green

Ireland has developed systems and standards governing agricultural and food production, supported by national, EU and third-party assurance frameworks.

Origin Green, Bord Bia’s food and drink sustainability programme, was established in 2012. It brings together farmers, food producers and drink manufacturers with a shared focus on sustainable food production.

Participating food businesses commit to targets under the Origin Green Charter, with progress independently reviewed annually by SGS. More than 284 companies are verified members of the programme, representing approximately 90% of Irish food and drink exports. A further 166 companies are preparing sustainability plans for verification.

Irish food and drink companies operate in accordance with EU food safety legislation and certification requirements, while many food manufacturers also hold internationally recognised certifications such as BRCGS accreditation.