Souper duper
Molly O’Reilly takes a closer look at the canned products performing strongly at retail, as well as ways retailers can create a compelling and commercially successful range
Print28 October 2026
Convenience, value and versatility continue to make canned, chilled fresh; carton and packet soup a firm favourite with shoppers in 2026, especially as the cold Autumn weather sets in. With household budgets still influencing purchasing decisions, soup remains a dependable cupboard staple, offering an easy way to create a quick and satisfying meal.
The world continues to transform, and it feels as if everything is constantly changing but the comfort from a bowl of soup never gets old. The trustee soup is delicious, nutritious and convenient. Soup can be made in the comfort of your own home, or you can purchase one in your local supermarket from a range of choice.
According to a recently published Statista report Soups Market of the Convenience Food Market within The Food market in Ireland has seen a rise in demand for healthier options, with consumers looking for low-sodium, vegan, and gluten-free options. This trend is driven by a growing focus on health and wellness, as well as a rising awareness of the impact of food on overall well-being.
As a result, brands are innovating and offering more nutritious and natural soup options to cater to these changing preferences.
Additionally, there has been an increase in demand for convenient soup options that cater to specific dietary needs, such as single-
serving or on-the-go options.
The report also highlighted that in Ireland, the Soup sector is heavily influenced by the country’s strong agricultural sector and its rich culinary traditions. This has led to a wide variety of locally sourced ingredients being used in soups, such as potatoes, barley, and
various types of seafood.
Additionally, Ireland’s colder climate has created a demand for hearty, warming soups, which has spurred the growth of the market. The country’s strict food regulations also ensure high-quality and safe soups, which has contributed to the market’s overall success.
SOOP Mugs scoop innovation gold award
Irish Brand The SOOP Mug recently won a Gold Innovation Challenge Award at the prestigious Lunch! event in London, the UK Food-To-Go, Retails and Coffee Shop exhibition. It was the only Irish brand to do so.
The event is part of the London Food and Drink Festival and saw over 10,000 visitors over two days at ExCel London.
The Innovation Challenge is designed to showcase the most innovative, recently launched products in the sector. Sixty-two brands entered, 16 were selected as finalists and seven of those were awarded Gold in the Challenge.
(L-R) Katie Tyler, event director Lunch!, John and Imogen Casey, SOOP
Judges included senior representatives from the industry including Waitrose, Costa Coffee, Starbucks, KFC and others.
Judges commented on SOOP’s entry that it was an amazing idea to create an on-the-go packaging innovation for soup.
The soup can be bought hot-to-go from cafes and deli counters or bought chilled to heat and enjoy later.
John Casey, co-founder, SOOP, said: “To win a Gold Award in the Innovation Challenge was terrific for all the people in our team, and all
those who have supported the brand.”
The Galway Kitchen launches new seafood soups
Crafted on Ireland’s west coast and rooted in everyday excellence, The Galway Kitchen’s range of houmous and pestos are an established Irish family favourite.
The Galway Kitchen Seafood Chowder and Seafood Bouillabaisse
The new range of award-winning gluten and nut free Seafood Soups has launched across the country onto shelves in selected Tesco Ireland and Dunnes Stores this autumn, extending The Galway Kitchen brand into a new premium category.
The classic Seafood Chowder is packed with salmon, white fish and smoked coley, with mussels, prawns and scallops. The chowder is cooked with potatoes and vegetables in stock and finish with cream, herbs, garlic and a dash of lemon.
The chowder is indulgent and full of flavour. It won Gold at 2025 Blas na hÉireann and a One-Star Great Taste Award 2026.
The bouillabaisse brings a taste of Provence to Ireland. Their version is a rich, Mediterranean-style soup made with salmon, white fi sh and smoked coley with tomatoes, mussels, prawns, scallops and fresh coriander leaf. Vibrant and fresh, our Bouillabaisse won
Bronze at 2025 Blas na hÉireann.
Cully & Sully
Cully & Sully is not only Ireland’s ‘number one soup brand’ but has been in business for the past 21 years.
While a lot has changed over the years, the commitment to making good, honest food has remained constant. After more than two
decades, the team is more energised than ever, driven by a passion to keep evolving how the brand shows up, both on shelf and
beyond it.
One of those ways is through Cully & Sully’s summer campaign – The SOUPerb Awards. This summer, the third edition was
the biggest yet, celebrating pubs and restaurants making brilliant chowder across Ireland.
Cassie Stokes and the McKennas joined the finalist tour, sharing the journey and introducing their audiences to the chowders along the way.
More than just a celebration of great chowder, the SOUPerb Awards reflect what Cully & Sully is all about: championing good food, supporting local businesses, and creating meaningful connections with communities across Ireland.
As the brand enters its next chapter, the team remains as passionate as ever about connecting with people and recognising the
great food across Ireland.
Avonmore Soup: Continuing to innovate for today’s consumer
For more than 35 years Avonmore has been producing fresh soup at its Kilkenny facility, continually evolving its range to meet
changing consumer needs and market trends.
From much-loved classic recipes to low- calorie options, innovation remains at the heart of the Avonmore Soup portfolio.
Avonmore High Protein soup tange
In 2024 the brand launched the Avonmore High Protein Soups, a key milestone in the journey said the business.
They were developed in response to the growing demand for convenient, protein-rich food options, the range offers consumers a simple way to support healthier lifestyles.
The strong performance of the range has already led to its expansion, with four exciting varieties now available: Chicken & Vegetable,
Chicken Masala, Red Lentil and the newest addition, Shredded Chicken.
Designed for busy modern consumers, Avonmore High Protein Soups deliver the perfect balance of taste, nutrition and convenience. Each 400g pot contains between 17g and 19g of protein and is low in sugar, low in fat, a source of fibre and gluten- free.
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