Irish consumers need wellness market, but financial pressures are still great

The Irish market could be ripe for investment in health and wellness therapies, as analyst firm Mintel highlights a significant rise in the nation’s stress levels.

According to the analyst’s annual Irish Lifestyle report, 35% of consumers in the Republic of Ireland report a rise in stress levels and 28% of those in Northern Ireland. Some 65% of consumers across Ireland say they would like to be in better physical health, and 32% admitted to worrying more about weight and physical appearance.

However, while the report indicates that Ireland consumers would benefits from a wellness market, the tough economic situation means that expendable incomes are still low.

Brian O’Connor, a senior consumer analyst at Mintel, said, “The economy may be improving, but the tight costs of living are still adding to the Irish consumer pressure and are taking their toll on mental health.”