Help: will hospitality prices rise even further?
Almost five euros for a cappuccino at the ordinary coffee shop on the corner? A €12.50 sandwich? These days, it’s more the rule than the exception—especially in the Randstad. Hence the cappuccino index for reflecting inflation. And the bad news: research shows that another price increase in the hospitality industry may be on the way.
Do you remember how, back in the day at Schiphol, you couldn’t believe what you were paying for a coffee and a sandwich? These days, you simply pay Schiphol prices outside the airport too. Grabbing something to eat out quickly has become insanely expensive. And it’s only getting worse…
Repaying COVID support
Hospitality entrepreneurs have had anything but an easy time. For months now, they have been battling sky-high energy prices, inflation, staff shortages and (as a result) more limited opening hours, hysterical rents and the COVID repayment scheme—all because of a hospitality shutdown that they did not choose themselves… Turning a decent profit, let alone making a profit, is very difficult under these circumstances.
So, will hospitality prices rise even further?
According to Brenda Vogd of research agency GfK Panel, the answer is yes, as she explains in an interview with Misset Horeca. Due to repaying COVID support, staff shortages and minimal profits, price increases will probably be unavoidable.
Understanding
GfK Panel polls show that consumers would understand this; according to her, we are willing to pay more for a steak or a beer. Understanding the situation of hospitality entrepreneurs, of course—I do too. But who will still be able to afford those restaurant visits? I see it in my own surroundings as well: going out for dinner the same number of times as before COVID? I don’t know anyone who still does that, logically enough, because eating out is sensitive to economic crises. Brenda confirms this too: ‘There are guests who skip eating out and instead go to the supermarket to prepare a tasty and elaborate meal at home.’
€7.50 for a beer?!
According to Brenda, terraces seem to have a special status: ‘Recently, I spoke to someone who had paid €7.50 for a beer on a terrace. The guest accepts it because he or she is already happy to have a spot on the terrace.’ Excuse me? €7.50 for a beer?! I certainly hope this wasn’t in the Netherlands. And then there’s also a tip on top of that…
Also read:
- Campina grass-fed butter named the 2023 Barn Milk Sneak
- Handy: you’re welcome here with your own cup and container
- Panic: a pasta strike is looming in Italy
Source: Misset Horeca
