Sponsored by Square
Ireland’s food and beverage landscape is experiencing a remarkable renaissance, and if you want to understand where it’s heading, there’s one event you absolutely cannot miss.
On Wednesday, August 20th at 11 AM, Square Ireland is hosting “Future Flavours: What’s Shaping Ireland’s Plate?” – a free webinar that promises to decode the trends revolutionising how we eat, drink, and dine across the island.
The panel lineup reads like a who’s who of Irish food expertise
Dee Laffan, one of Ireland’s most respected food curators and industry commentators, brings over 15 years of experience dissecting the Irish food scene. As the current editor-in-chief of Scoop food magazine, and columnist for TheTaste, Dee has her finger firmly on the pulse of what’s next.
Joining her is Ali Dunworth, a food writer and consultant whose diverse background spans everything from food television to hospitality consulting. Ali’s recent book “A Compendium of Irish Pints” demonstrates her deep understanding of Irish food culture, while her work with major Irish festivals and brands positions her as someone who truly grasps where the industry is moving.
Rounding out the panel is John O’Beirne, Square’s Head of Ireland Operations, who brings the technology and business perspective that’s increasingly crucial to understanding modern food service.
Four Game-Changing Trends to Watch
The webinar will explore four major movements reshaping Irish food and beverage:
The Global-Local Fusion Revolution
Irish chefs are masterfully blending international flavours with native ingredients, creating a uniquely Irish interpretation of global cuisine. This trend reflects broader movements we’re seeing across Europe, where “glocal” cooking – using locally sourced ingredients to create globally-inspired dishes – is gaining tremendous momentum.
Sustainability as the New Standard
Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword anymore – it’s become fundamental to how Irish food businesses operate. Ireland already leads globally with the only national food and drink sustainability programme in the world through Bord Bia’s Origin Green initiative. This movement toward sustainable practices is now influencing everything from menu design to supplier relationships across the industry.
The Gaelic Revival: Celebrating Irish Heritage
Perhaps the most exciting trend is the renewed celebration of Irish culinary heritage. Irish restaurants are increasingly earning Michelin recognition – with three new stars awarded in 2025 alone to The Morrison Room at Carton House, Ballyfin Demesne, and Lignum in Galway. These accolades recognise establishments that expertly combine traditional Irish ingredients with innovative techniques, showing that Irish cuisine has evolved far beyond its humble roots.
The country now boasts an impressive collection of Michelin-starred venues, from Terre in County Cork (with two stars) to innovative establishments like Kai in Galway, which holds a Green Star for sustainability. This recognition is driving renewed interest in traditional Irish ingredients like heritage grains, wild seaweed, and locally foraged items.
Technology Transforming Dining
The webinar will also examine how technological innovations are reshaping the dining experience. Ghost kitchens, which gained prominence during the pandemic, continue to evolve as a significant business model. Ireland’s tech-savvy dining scene is well-positioned to capitalise on these delivery-focused operations.
AI-powered kitchens and drone deliveries may sound futuristic, but they’re increasingly becoming reality in forward-thinking markets. For Irish restaurateurs, understanding these technologies isn’t just about staying current – it’s about survival in an increasingly competitive landscape.
Mark Your Calendar
With the expertise on offer, this free 60-minute webinar is a must-attend for anyone serious about Irish food and beverage trends. The session promises not just trend identification but actionable growth strategies that attendees can immediately apply, whether they’re running a business or simply making more informed dining choices.
Ready to secure your spot? Visit the Square event page here to register for this essential webinar that’s bringing together the best minds in Irish food and beverage.
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