Budget 2026: 6 main takeaways that will impact the retail grocery industry

The Fine Gael Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe and the Fianna Fail Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Services, Reform and Digitalisation Jack Chambers for Budget 2026 at Government Buildings. Pic: Leah Farrell/© RollingNews.ie

Here are the main points from todays announcement that will have an impact on our industry

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Read More: Budget 2026 CSNA

Budget 2026 was announced today (Tuesday 7 October).

In his opening statement Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe said that Budget 2026 will invest in our future while securing the jobs, prosperity and stability of today.

“It will tackle the serious challenges of meeting our housing and investment needs. At the same time, we are preparing for tomorrow. This Budget builds up our resilience and will help us to adapt at a time of historic challenge for our economy and society,” he noted.

“This Budget is the first of this Government’s term. We will continue to deliver for our citizens over the course of the next four Budgets and in the years ahead.”

6 main takeaways 

Following are the CSNA’s main takeaways from todays announcement that will have an impact on our industry.

1/ National minimum way will increase to €14.15 from 1 January 2026

2/ A box of 20 cigarettes will increase by 50c from midnight.

3/ There has been no change to the price of alcohol.

4/ Petrol and diesel will increase in price from midnight tonight.

5/ VAT rate on food will decrease from 13.5% to 9% from the 1 July 2026.

6/ E-cigarettes will have a 50c tax applied per ml of e-liquid from 1 November.

Read more: Budget 2026 should address cost and competitiveness challenges: FDI

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Read More: Budget 2026 CSNA

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