Change of gastronomy in Hesse: prices rise, future uncertain!

Change of gastronomy in Hesse: prices rise, future uncertain!

In recent years, the gastronomy and trade have changed significantly, especially in Hesse. These changes were primarily accelerated by Corona pandemic and the war in Ukraine. According to the Borkener Zeitung reported Robert Mangold, president of the industry association Dehoga Hessen, from a significant increase in food prices at 12 % in restaurants and inns. This increase has caused some companies to question their future.

The market changes result in an increase in snacks and delivery services, which represent a direct reaction to the growing need for flexible and inexpensive essential alternatives. The Hessen trade association has also found that structural change had already started before pandemic, but the developments were severely accelerated by these events.

growth in online trading

A striking trend is the increase in online trade. Sales rose from 59.2 billion euros in 2019 to 72.8 billion euros in 2020, which indicates a significant changes in consumption habits. Although the growth rates in online trading are currently no longer as high, the level remains stable. The start -ups in the industry also show that there is still a certain attractiveness in the market.

A detailed investigation by the Darmstadt-Dieburg district has shown that trade in the 23 municipalities has changed fundamentally. The effects of pandemic, Ukraine war, demographic developments and online shopping can be clearly seen here. There was a decline in the owner -managed specialist shops, for example from 2,031 shops in 2012 to only 1,796 in 2023.

decline in gastronomy

In the food sector, a decline in catering and amusement facilities was recorded by 5.1 %. Particularly alarming is the decline in the dining area, which costs 17.2 %, while the number of snacks has risen by 27 %. However, the change is not limited to Hesse; Similar developments are also shown in the Vogelsberg district and Schwalm-Eder-Kreis. However, the district administrations do not have detailed statistics on these changes.

In contrast, a current study by the IFO Institute and the Technical University of Munich find that the sales of the catering trade in major German cities have recovered significantly. In Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Stuttgart and Dresden, they lie over the values ​​before the Corona pandemic. According to ingredient, custody places in big cities a high frequency, although the war in Ukraine and inflation are a challenge. Especially at the weekend, people like to take advantage of restaurants and cafes near their place of residence.

In order to remain permanently competitive, trading companies have to adjust their business models. A deloitte study identifies five main drivers for structural change: experienced products, tangible products, targeted sustainability and the verticalization of Business models. These factors are crucial to meet the challenges of the market and, if they are successfully implemented, lead to significant growth in German trade.