Gastronomy in MV: decline in sales brings companies to the border!

Gastronomy in MV: decline in sales brings companies to the border!

Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Deutschland - The 2023 summer main season brings a mixed balance for the hotel and catering businesses in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania (MV). Lars Schwarz, President of the German Hotel and Restaurant Association MV, notes that there is a lack of enthusiasm and satisfaction in the industry. The decline in sales of 18 percent in the first half of 2023 is particularly alarming with the pre-Corona period 2019. This is particularly noticeable in the lunch business, which in many cases broke out dramatically. Despite the seeming that the restaurants are well attended, the guests hardly seem to have time or desire for starters and desserts - many even do without additional drinks and prefer to use cheap wine from the supermarket.

In order to be able to exist in the current economic situation, numerous restaurants had to raise their prices. Another reason is the rising costs that result from the return of the VAT of 19 percent and the minimum wage of currently EUR 12.82. The latter is expected to increase to 14.60 euros by January 1, 2027. However, a ray of hope could be the reduction of the VAT rate to food in the catering trade from 19 to 7 percent from January 2024 to avoid unequal treatment in European competition.

sales declines in Germany

The situation is not only tense in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. In May 2025, the entire German hospitality has recorded the largest drop in sales since the end of 2021, such as [t-online.de] (https://www.t-online.de/finanzes/aktuelles/wirtschaft/id_100828582/Gastronomie-erbet-groessten-mrucht-seit-corona.html). The decline was 2.2 percent compared to the previous month and adjusted to inflation even 4.6 percent. Hotels and accommodation companies were particularly affected, which had a real minus of 7.0 percent. The restaurants, including restaurants and pubs, suffered a decline in 3.9 percent.

The hotel and restaurant association (DEHOGA) sees this a bad sign for private consumption, while retail also reports weak business. Guido Zöllick, President of Dehoga, warns that the economic load limit for many companies has been reached. The industry now looks hopefully at possible political impulses to improve the situation. In the coalition agreement of the Union and the SPD, a reduction in sales tax for dishes from January 2026, which could help to stabilize the situation.

prospects for the future

The upcoming changes around VAT rate offer a spark of hope for the catering trade. Nevertheless, a challenge remains: The increasing personnel costs associated with the wage increase will continue to burden the industry. According to Spiegel.de, you are expected to be an increase in the minimum wage in 2026 and a year later Should be raised 14.60 euros.

The gastronomy is in a huge dilemma. One thing is certain: creative solutions and a good hand are needed so that the industry survives this challenging time. The private hospitality industry remains optimistic and hopes for an early upswing, while the demand and consumer trends remain under observation.