Chowing down on a festive goose dinner just got a bit pricier this holiday season
Dining out for a traditional goose dish during Christmas will cost you a pretty penny more this year, as revealed in a survey by the hospitality industry association Dehoga. Nearly half of the 117 surveyed restaurants are planning to bump up their goose prices by up to ten percent. A whopping 17% are even increasing their prices by up to twenty percent, while a meager 9% are offering some relief with price drops.
The gastronomy sector has been struggling since the coronavirus pandemic, and the subsequent surge in inflation has only added to its woes. According to Patrick Rothkopf, President of Dehoga North Rhine-Westphalia, "Despite the staggering cost hikes this year, the industry is doing its best to keep price adjustments moderate, taking into account the price sensitivity of guests and its own mounting expenses."
As of now, a classic goose dish (including breast or leg with side dishes) typically ranges from 25 to 35 euros, while a whole goose with side dishes can set you back up to 150 euros. If the prevailing taxes and inflationary pressures continue, these prices may surge by an additional 15% next year.
The federal government has tried to alleviate some of the burden by temporarily reducing VAT on food back in mid-2020. However, this relief is slated to expire at the end of 2023, and food eaten in restaurants will once again be taxed at the standard 19%. Dehoga is calling for the continued tax break on food to soften the blow of further price increases and decreased consumer acceptance of increased prices due to spiraling costs.
While there isn't specific data on how much goose dinners will increase in price due to inflation and potential VAT tax hikes in 2023, other food items such as eggs are being impacted. For instance, egg prices are projected to rise by 20.3% in 2025, as per avian influenza-related concerns[1]. Similarly, restaurant menu prices have been trending upward, though at a slower pace than grocery store prices[5].
In the UK, the annual inflation rate declined to 2.5% in December 2024, but persistent factors like VAT increases and food cost spikes continue to exert pressure on prices[3]. Given these circumstances, guests may have to brace themselves for increased costs across the board.
In conclusion, the soaring prices in the hospitality sector, including goose dinners, are causing consumers concern due to the cautious price adjustments being implemented by restaurants. As the gastronomy industry grapples with rising costs and the price sensitivity of guests, it's advocating for the extended VAT tax break on food to offset further price surges.
Source:
[1] - [url removed for confidentiality] [3] - [url removed for confidentiality] [5] - [url removed for confidentiality]
