Foodism in Ireland: feeding foodie philosophy or showing a shift in contemporary food culture?

Abstract

ABSTRACT This paper examines contemporary food culture in Ireland through the phenomenon of foodism and the habits and traits expressed through the subculture of foodies. Elements and actors of the Irish food scene are also considered. Qualitative research was applied to investigate the five research objectives posed. This featured six in-depth interviews with “key informants” from Ireland’s tourism sector, educational sector, food sector, and a state food agency, conducted during 2020. The study draws insights from the fields of cultural studies and sociology. Thematic analysis was applied as part of the methodology process, from which five themes developed from the data findings. These are: (1) An evolving Irish food culture, (2) Two perceptions of Irish food, (3) A breakdown of hierarchies, (4) Influencing factors, (5) State body remits. The primary research reveals that industry experts and academics concur that Irish food and culture have “evolved” from a more traditional cuisine and culture and that these are dynamic entities. In addition, it establishes that there is a “hunger for food” amongst a small but growing cohort of Ireland’s population, who wish to gain information via food media and to access food experiences such as culinary courses, gastro tours and food festival events.