Souperfood
Soup has evolved from humble broths to a versatile, health-conscious meal option. Ryan Brennan reports on the latest trends shaping the soup market
Print23 October 2025
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Soups have undergone significant transformations over time, adapting to changes in culture, technology, and taste. Early versions, dating back to ancient civilisations, were simple broths made from boiled meats and vegetables. As time passed, soups became more complex, including ingredients and seasonings from around the world. The introduction of new cooking techniques, such as pureeing and thickening like flour or cream, allowed for greater variety and richness. Today, soups range from stews to delicate bowls, reflecting both traditional flavours and modern innovations, and are often tailored to dietary needs and preferences. The evolution of soup reflects both societal changes and an appreciation for the comfort and versatility that a bowl of soup can provide.
In 2025, the global soup market is projected to reach $25.96 billion (€22.2 billion) by 2033, up from $19.48 billion (€16.6 billion) in 2024, with an annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.24% from 2025 to 2033. This growth is driven by increasing consumer demand for convenient, nutritious, and on-the-go meal options, with soups being a popular choice.
Avonmore boosts winter sales with protein soups
Avonmore High Protein Soups
As the clocks go back and the evenings draw in, soup season takes centre stage in Irish households. For retailers it’s the ideal time to spotlight Avonmore’s High Protein Soups, a range that combines the comfort of a warming bowl of soup with the added benefit of 16g-18g of protein per pot.
Available in Chicken Masala, Chicken & Veg and a Vegan Red Lentil Dahl the range delivers on both taste and functionality – exactly what today’s health-conscious consumers are seeking as they move into the winter months. As the popularity of high-protein rich foods continues to rise, Avonmore’s soups stand out in the chilled aisle. They appeal not only to those focused on fitness but also families or individuals looking for a wholesome, filling option during the colder months.
Positioned to capture both the traditional seasonal uplift in soup sales and the ongoing demand for protein-rich foods, Avonmore’s High Protein Soup range offer retailers a timely opportunity to drive footfall and basket spend this Autumn and Winter.
fiid redefines ready meals with purpose
fiid Hearty Chickpea Tagine Bowl
At fiid, it believes convenience should never come at the cost of nourishment. Since launching in 2018, it has been on a mission to reinvent ready meals — moving away from the bland, ultra-processed options that have dominated shelves for decades. Instead, its ambient bowls are made with real vegetables, legumes, herbs, and spices — designed to be heated in 90 seconds and enjoyed anywhere.
Julia Kessler, fiid’s newly appointed CEO, explains: “fiid was founded on the idea that fast food can be good food. We want to give people that moment of comfort in the middle of a busy day — a meal that’s delicious, filling, and nourishing, without compromise.”
With bestsellers like Smoky Black Bean Chilli and Sundried Tomato & Lentil Ragu, fiid has grown from kitchen-table beginnings to a presence across international markets. In Ireland and the UK, the bowls are popular with health-conscious consumers seeking cost-effective, plant-rich options that still feel like comfort food.
2025 marks an exciting chapter for fiid, with a refreshed look, re-certified B Corp status, and a continued commitment to creating meals that are both convenient and good for you.
Find fiid in Dunnes Stores, SuperValu, Spar, Centra, Ocado, Booths and many more retailers across Ireland and the UK.
For sales enquiries, contact aloha@eatfiid.com or +353 83 020 1665
www.eatfiid.com | @eatfiid
Q&A with… John Casey, CEO Galmere Fresh Foods, Q&A on SOOP Mug
John Casey, CEO, Galmere Fresh Foods
SOOP range
SOOP Indonesian Style Chickpea
Q: SOOP Mug’s packaging is clearly a standout feature—how important was sustainability in the design process, and do you see potential for expanding this packaging innovation to other product categories in future?
A: Sustainability was the key consideration in the development of the SOOP Mug design. We selected recycled plastic, optimising its use in the production (achieving 65%) to reduce the amount of virgin plastic in the mug. The use of plastic is integral to providing shelf-stable, safe food products. The challenge for the food industry is to ensure that it’s made of recycled materials where possible and help to ensure that the packaging is recyclable after use. Having achieved the high recycled content with SOOP, it certainly gives us a platform to test and promote the recycled and recyclable principles in other parts of our product range.
Q: You’ve successfully soft launched in select Irish cafés and Maxol forecourts—what has been the most valuable feedback from consumers and retailers so far, and how is that shaping your national and UK rollout strategy?
A: We were able to track the customer journey in real time during the trial and learned a lot about the most effective way of communicating our new concept to consumers. By developing a POS video to play on the screens in select Maxol forecourts, we showcased SOOP and how to open and heat their Mug. Additionally, we were able to adapt other POS materials as the trial progressed. We also discovered a new avenue for sales, as customers wanted to take chilled SOOP away with them to heat and eat at home or the office. While at the beginning our main communication strategy involved the innovation of the Mug itself, upon talking with retailers and consumers who tried the product, it is the fantastic taste of the flavours that are frequently highlighted. Social media is a great platform for adapting and refining our messages. These are all elements that have refined our rollout strategy, which is adaptable across other markets in combination with market research.
Q: Can you tell me about the process behind creating your healthy, on-the-go meals and snacks, particularly the creative flavours like the ‘Plant-Based Indonesian Style Chickpea’?
A: Market research and industry knowledge provided the insights which led to the selection and development of our first four flavours. We developed great versions of firm favourites including Proper Roast Chicken and Tomato and Basil Pesto but have seen consumer demand increase for both vegetarian and plant-based options. The vegan Indonesian Style Chickpea is a great example of the globally inspired flavours that we have seen consumers respond very well to in other areas of our business. We are continuously researching trends and sales patterns across the market to help to guide us towards recipes which will excite consumers and fulfil their demand for flavours from across the culinary landscape.
Q: With consumer demand growing for both health-conscious and convenient food options, how do you plan to keep SOOP ahead of evolving trends—are there new flavours, formats, or functional benefits in development?
A: First and foremost, SOOP is made from a range of natural ingredients – no additives, no preservatives and no thickeners. Natural, healthy ingredients are the foundation for healthy food. We then cook the ingredients gently to lock in flavour and goodness. Each recipe contains at least one of your five a day and contains between 160 and 205 calories allowing consumers to manage their consumption while still having a delicious fresh soup. SOOP specifically addresses the difficulty of having healthy food on-the-go, a key area for growth as consumers look to find healthier food choices. Eating well on the move is a real challenge that we all face in our busy lives. We plan to evolve the range to reflect consumer preferences, with other flavours having already been developed.
Q: Galmere Foods is already a trusted name in the Irish FMCG space—how does the launch of SOOP Mug reflect a broader strategic shift for the company, and where do you see the biggest growth opportunities over the next 12–18 months?
A: SOOP, like all the best innovations, is an evolution of the great food we already make. It builds on our experience and capability creating a new product that can be consumed at any time; in store in cafés, on the road, out for a walk or relaxing at home. It provides additional opportunities to consume a healthy light meal in a convenient way, with no spoons, no mess no bowls. Research has shown that soup is not seen as an on-the-go option by consumers because of packaging constraints, and the need for a spoon etc. We think that SOOP perfectly addresses this challenge. This brand adds to our portfolio which includes The Galway Kitchen – this year expanding from dips into other product lines – Pestle + Mortar premium pesto and Just Food Organic Soups. On a broader basis, we continue to explore opportunities to evolve our product range to meet consumer demand for healthy, convenient and clean deck fresh food.
Cully & Sully continues to deliver a strong performance
Cully & Sully Chicken & Vegetable Soup
As Ireland’s No. 1 soup brand, Cully & Sully continues to deliver strong category performance by combining convenience, quality, and authenticity. Values that resonate deeply with today’s shoppers.
It’s core soup range remains a firm favourite, offering reliable year-round sales, but retailers are also seeing increased demand for its Rocking Risottos, a gluten-free range designed to bring wholesome, restaurant quality meals to the table in minutes. Made with premium Arborio rice and natural ingredients, they provide shoppers with a quick and satisfying solution that aligns perfectly with current trends toward better-for-you, gluten-free, and cleaner-label foods.
Cully & Sully has also seen strong growth across its natural broths range, which cater to consumers seeking more natural and filling products. Slowly simmered for depth of flavour, these broths serve as a nourishing lunch or meal or as the perfect base for soups and sauces.
As shoppers continue to prioritise trusted brands and real ingredients, Cully & Sully products remain a must-stock option for retailers looking to drive repeat purchase and build basket value.
From its comforting soups to our convenient risottos and versatile broths, Cully & Sully is ‘proud’ to offer a range that keeps shelves relevant and shoppers coming back for more.
At Cully & Sully, it believes simple ingredients don’t just make great food, they make sense for its consumers and business.
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