Good Food Ireland® Conference 2025
Key Takeaways, Challenges & Affirmations
The Good Food Ireland® Conference 2025 marked a defining moment for Ireland’s food, farming and tourism communities. With powerful discussions, key industry voices and visionary thinking, the conference reaffirmed Good Food Ireland® leadership in building a thriving, sustainable food culture rooted in authenticity, collaboration and innovation.
And it wasn’t just about conversations – it was about action. One of the most significant developments to emerge from the conference was the launch of a landmark new platform aimed at uniting the island through food.
A Landmark Launch: Good Food Ireland® Experiences
To demonstrate real commitment to the outcomes of the conference and accelerate collaboration across sectors, Martin Heydon, T.D., Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine officially launched Good Food Ireland® Experiences — the first all-island destination booking platform dedicated to food and drink experiences. Designed to celebrate and connect Ireland’s food culture, this new platform allows visitors and locals alike to discover and book authentic, local food and drink experiences across the island, from farm tours and cooking classes to picnics and afternoon teas, seafood tastings, whiskey trails, festivals and more.
Why it matters:
- It supports rural communities and agri-food and tourism hospitality providers through direct bookings, keeping rural communities alive and vibrant, and ensuring money goes straight back into local economies.
- It strengthens the connection between Ireland’s food and tourism, offering a modern, strategic way to connect food lovers with unforgettable Irish experiences, while amplifying Ireland’s voice on the global culinary stage.
- It’s a powerful tool for promoting local, sustainable experiences to global audiences, helps reduce environmental impact and empowers sustainable practices within hospitality and agriculture. Good Food Ireland® Experiences is more than a website — it’s a strategic commitment to collaboration, sustainable tourism and economic growth, aligning with every value reinforced throughout the conference.
Sustainability is a Shared Responsibility – Central to Good Food Ireland® Mission
Key Takeaway:
The environmental and social impact of food systems is undeniable and the need for sustainable practices has never been more urgent. At Good Food Ireland®, we believe that true sustainability isn't just a global ideal; it must be deeply rooted in local practices and communities. As we move toward a more sustainable food system, the focus must be on how we produce, source and consume food in a way that respects the environment, the people behind it and the future of food itself.
Our Commitment:
At Good Food Ireland®, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. We advocate for a balanced, informed approach to sustainability that goes beyond trends. From supporting regenerative farming practices that improve soil health and biodiversity, to promoting farm-to-table cooking that reduces food miles and encourages local sourcing, our model prioritises both people and planet. We empower our Collection of local producers, chefs, and food businesses to adopt sustainable practices that protect Ireland’s rich food heritage while building a resilient future for Irish food.
Storytelling Builds Connection – A Core Pillar of Good Food Ireland®
Key Takeaway:
Many visitors arrive in Ireland with limited knowledge of our culinary heritage. But they leave not just impressed by the quality and freshness of our food, but deeply connected to the stories behind every dish. They discover the passion, history and dedication of local producers, chefs and artisans — and that connection transforms their entire experience.
Our Commitment:
At Good Food Ireland®, we believe that food is more than just nourishment; its a story waiting to be told. Through curated food trails, digital storytelling and the new Good Food Ireland® Experiences platform, we bring these stories to life. By showcasing the people, places and traditions that shape Irish food, we turn every meal into a memory and every producer or chef into a cultural ambassador. This storytelling helps build a deeper, more personal connection between our visitors and Ireland’s food heritage, strengthening the appreciation for what makes Irish food truly unique.
Local is Essential – And at the Heart of Good Food Ireland®
Key Takeaway:
Ireland’s artisan food scene has experienced remarkable growth — from just 60 small producers in the 1990s to over 700 today.
Our Commitment:
Local is not just something we support – it’s the heartbeat of everything we do. We’ve spent almost two decades building a trusted Collection of vetted local producers, growers, makers and tourism hospitality providers. By choosing Good Food Ireland®, consumers know they’re supporting authentic, local Irish food – and the people behind it.
Innovation Rooted in Tradition – The Good Food Ireland® Approach
Key Takeaway:
Ireland’s culinary identity is evolving — and Good Food Ireland® is at the forefront of that transformation. Across the island, chefs and food producers are reimagining what Irish food can be, blending time-honoured techniques with bold creativity and global influences. This innovation isn’t just changing what’s on the plate; it’s reshaping how people experience Irish food — while always staying connected to its roots.
Our Commitment:
For Good Food Ireland®, innovation and tradition go hand in hand. It actively champions chefs, producers and food entrepreneurs who are pushing boundaries while honouring Ireland’s rich culinary heritage. By curating and promoting these voices through its trusted Collection and the Good Food Ireland® Experiences platform, it ensures that the future of Irish food is both forward-thinking and deeply authentic.
From pioneering farm-to-fork restaurants and reimagined traditional recipes to regenerative farming and cutting-edge food tourism experiences, Good Food Ireland® is building a vibrant, living food culture. It’s a culture that reflects who Ireland is today and where it’s going without ever losing sight of where it came from.
Fish & Seafood: Urgency and Opportunity — Good Food Ireland® Influence
Key Takeaways:
- Ireland’s fishmongers are disappearing, with only 60 remaining and projections show that number could halve by the end of the decade.
- Lesser-known native species like pollan and megrim, despite their high quality and sustainability, are still underappreciated at home.
Our Commitment:
At Good Food Ireland®, we recognise the urgency of preserving Ireland’s coastal heritage while championing the unique fish species that are part of our rich food culture. We collaborate with the agencies, with chefs, fishmongers and educators to reintroduce native Irish species to menus, inspiring chefs to showcase these underutilised, sustainable options. Through Good Food Ireland® Experiences, we significantly raise awareness of these remarkable resources, ensuring they are recognised for their value both to local economies and to Ireland’s broader food identity. We are committed to supporting sustainable seafood practices, helping to protect our coastal communities and their future, while encouraging consumers to enjoy the bounty of Irish waters.
Biodiversity Needs Our Voice — Good Food Ireland® Commitment to Ecosystem Health
Key Takeaway:
Ireland is home to a unique indigenous bee species, an invaluable part of our natural ecosystem. However, these essential pollinators face growing threats, including habitat loss and the rise of non-native wildflower planting that disrupts local biodiversity.
Our Commitment:
At Good Food Ireland®, we understand that a healthy ecosystem is the foundation of a vibrant food culture. That’s why we champion biodiversity-positive practices. We encourage native planting, support bee-friendly farming and work closely with our producers to ensure they are protecting the very ecosystems that sustain our food. Through education and advocacy, we strive to create a more sustainable future where both our food systems and natural environment can thrive together. By promoting these practices, we ensure that Ireland’s food culture remains deeply connected to the land, its biodiversity and the health of our communities.
Food and Tourism: A United Future — Good Food Ireland® Vision for Growth
Key Takeaway:
Food and Tourism, our two biggest indigenous industries, are inextricably linked and Ireland has the potential to become a global leader in food tourism, attracting visitors with its rich culinary heritage and vibrant food scene.
Our Commitment:
The launch of Good Food Ireland® Experiences marks a significant milestone as the first all-island booking platform dedicated to food and drink experiences. This innovative platform is a bold step toward uniting Ireland through its food culture. At Good Food Ireland®, we continue to foster collaboration between the food, drink, Agri-tourism and hospitality sectors to enhance Ireland’s global appeal. By connecting local producers, chefs and tourism hospitality providers, we are creating a dynamic and sustainable food tourism ecosystem that not only showcases the best of Irish food and drink but also strengthens Ireland’s position as a top destination for food lovers worldwide.
Affirmation: We’re Not Just on Track — We’re Leading the Way in Food Tourism
The 2025 Good Food Ireland® Conference reaffirmed what our members, partners and supporters have long believed: Ireland’s food culture is undergoing a dynamic evolution, and Good Food Ireland® is at the forefront of this transformation in food tourism. By tackling critical issues such as the decline in seafood availability, the complexities of sustainability, and introducing actionable solutions like the Good Food Ireland® Experiences booking platform, we are turning our vision into real, impactful change. This platform represents a bold step in uniting food, drink and tourism, making it easier for visitors to discover and experience Ireland’s rich culinary heritage.
We continue to drive progress, inspire collaboration, and set the pace for a vibrant, sustainable future for Irish food tourism – showcasing Ireland as a top global destination for food lovers.
Explore the Collection and Book Experiences
Ready to discover the true essence of Ireland through its food? Good Food Ireland® invites you to immerse yourself in authentic culinary experiences that showcase the best of Ireland’s food culture. Browse and book your next food adventure now on the all-new Good Food Ireland® Experiences platform – the first of its kind, uniting food lovers with unforgettable food and drink experiences across Ireland.
www.goodfoodireland.ie/experiences
Explore the Collection, support local producers and experience the richness of Irish food culture like never before.
Thank You!
A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Speakers
Good Food Ireland® extends sincere gratitude to all the speakers who contributed to the 2025 Conference, leaders, innovators and changemakers who brought passion, insight and inspiration to every conversation. Your voices helped shape a vital dialogue around the future of Irish food, farming and tourism. Through your expertise, experience and vision, you challenged us to think bigger, collaborate deeper and act with greater purpose. From championing sustainability and biodiversity to exploring the power of storytelling, innovation and local food systems, each of you played a crucial role in making the conference a true catalyst for change. Thank you for your time, your knowledge, and your unwavering commitment. Together, we are not just imagining the future — we are building it.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Good Food Ireland® also extends our deepest thanks to the generous sponsors who made the 2025 Conference possible. Your support played a vital role in bringing together Ireland’s food, farming and tourism communities for a powerful day of collaboration, innovation and inspiration. Your belief in our mission, to champion local, support sustainability and elevate Ireland as a global food destination, helped turn vision into reality.
