Changes in Food and Drink Culture

Over the years, the food and drinks industry has been one of the essential contributors to the country’s economic development. The industry produces a turnover of €27.5 billion. The food industry produces a majority of the country’s domestic grocery and other food services. Ireland is known as one of the leading exporters of food items in Europe.

In Ireland, 80% of the agricultural land is devoted to grassland and other agricultural products. The food industry employs approximately 8.4% of the working population (Blythman, 2005).

Today, technological advancements have increased the production of the food sector. The introduction of genetically modified organisms has immensely affected the production of the food industry.

The increase in production has enabled the country to a leading exporter of different food items such as whey and vanilla. The food industry in Ireland has immensely benefited from the exportation of vanilla in the baking industry.

According to a report from the Irish Times, Ireland is turning into a food processing giant. The report also the export has doubled from €5.6 billion to €12.6 billion in the last two decades. Notably, the introduction of various food ingredients has boosted the rate of production. 

In addition to this, milk production has increased due to the immense efforts and interest shown by farmers. This is due to the drop in the EU milk quota. However, fast-food industries have rapidly grown in many cities.

The developments in e-commerce have facilitated the growth of the fast-food industry. Currently, various companies deliver ready meals at any given time. People can order any fast-food that they need from the comfort of their homes.

The delivery process has been improved for a short time as possible. In other words, companies use various means to deliver ready meals. This is one of the developments that have been facilitated by technology in the food industry.

Moreover, the increase in the number of cafes and other restaurants has been facilitated by the green landscape and wild coastal seascapes. The beautiful scenes in Ireland have contributed to the establishment of KFCs and MacDonald cafes in the country.

The establishment of such restaurants has promoted consumer’s desire for fast-food. In the early centuries, fast-food was not commonly used because it was not readily available as compared to the current phenomenon.

Traditionally, chicken and other poultry were managed in the rural setting. In most cases, the chicken was used as food in a home setting. Over the years, meat-eating habits in Ireland have drastically changed. The report published by the Irish Times indicated that more than three million chickens were killed in a week to sate Irish appetites.

Such a change is different from eating habits in the past fifty years when people seldom ate chicken. As far as poultry is concerned, not only is chicken consumed in Ireland but also duck and turkey are consumed in large quantities.

The survey done by the World Health Organization in 1980 a more significant number of people consumed 6kgs of chicken each year. After a few decades, the quantity of chicken consumed by each individual stands at 22kgs per year.  

According to the National Nutrition Surveillance Centre, meat-eating has been contributed by the increase in the production of chicken and duck. As compared to the early decades, eggs are not sold to buy household items. Instead, eggs are used to increase the production of chicken. Generally, the demand for meat has increased in the current generation as compared to the early years.

The research done by Johann Georg Kohl IN 1841, many people used to eat potatoes on many occasions. The meat was used during celebrations and special days such as Christmas day. In early 1600, Ireland adopted potato as a portion of critical food and cash crop. This led to an increase in the consumption of potatoes-chips and wedges.

The Euromonitor recorded that the surplus production of potatoes fuelled the increase in the use of potato products. The current generation consumers meant more than potatoes (Kelleher 2018). Meat can be used for fast-food more easily than potato. In Europe, fast food is consumed by many people, regardless of age, sex, or religion.

Pork is the most popular meat in Ireland. Most chops and roasts are made of pork.  Also, sausages, bacon, salamis, and puddings are mostly consumed by children. All consumers are always rational as far as buying decision is concerned. However, children tend to be attracted to food more quickly than adults.

The consumption of such products has increased in Ireland and other European countries. The rearing of pigs has contributed to the consumption of pork. In the mid-18^th century, meat was preserved using traditional methods such as the application of salt. The introduction of preventive measures such as the use of refrigerators has enabled people to keep food for a long time.

The rise of snacking has also changed eating habits among many people. Traditionally, three meals a day model was embraced by many people (Campbell, 2016). In the contemporary world, more eating places outside mealtime. Apart from breakfast, lunch, and supper, a more significant number of people eat at any time.

Furthermore, there are retail shops that offer fast food on a 24-hour basis. For example, coffee shops such as Starbuck and other snack chains operate on a 24-hour basis. Such operation is most common in urban areas.

The falling price of food has also enabled many people to acquire meals. The primary transformation in the Irish diet is the availability of a variety of food items. Consumers have the opportunity to choose any type of meal that they are willing to buy.

Based on the research carried out by Kuhling and Keohane in 2007, Ireland is become more cosmopolitan as compared to the early years. The country is rapidly transforming into one of the largest international destinations. In other words, many people are traveling to Ireland due to its tourist attraction sites.

As a result, the consumption of food varieties has increased. Both cultural and international food items are cooked in different restaurants in Ireland. The availability of a variety of food has contributed to the change in eating habits. The United States of America is renowned for its high consumption of snacks and other fast food.

The research carried out by Bielenberg (2017) found that the consumption of alcohol has reduced in Ireland. The report produced by the World Health Organization in the early century showed that Ireland is one of the countries where alcohol is consumed in large quantities.

The WHO reported that, on average, people above the age of 15 consumed 14.4 liters of alcohol in the year 2003. In the year 2016, the quantity of alcohol consumed by individuals on average, reduced to 10.6 liters. In a country with a large number of youths, the consumption of alcohol is likely to increase.

Consequently, the youth are more likely to drink during their leisure time that the older adults. For instance, university students are more likely to drink than their parents. However, research indicated that the youth are drinking less than their parents in Ireland.

The increasing aging population contributes to the reduction in the consumption of alcohol among youth. The old are not likely to go to pubs to drink. Ireland has experienced both economic and cultural transformation. In the past years, drinking was considered as a part of Irish social life. Many people used alcohol during their leisure as a form of enjoyment.

The availability of non-alcoholic alternatives has also contributed to the decrease in the consumption of alcoholic products. Such products include energy drinks and other beverages. Some people prefer non-alcoholic beer to alcoholic drinks.

Apart from pubs, some of the drinks are sold in British supermarkets. Therefore, customers have the choice to go to the pub or buy drinks from the nearest supermarket. Despite the fact alcoholic drinks are sold in supermarkets, the overall consumption of alcohol has reduced.

In summary, the food and drink industry has rapidly changed over the years. The food industry contributes significantly to the country’s gross domestic product. In Ireland, the consumption of fast food has increased as compared to fifty years ago. Notably, the use of meat has increased. Today, chicken is mostly consumed in various food outlets.

Pork is also one of the country’s favorite meats. The consumption of potatoes and alcoholic drinks has reduced. In the contemporary world, fast-food is preferred by many people in Ireland and other European countries.