Organizer: Christmas market mulled wine no more expensive
With mulled wine, bratwurst and the like, the Christmas market season will soon begin in many city centers in Brandenburg. However, hut operators are worried about a lack of staff, as some organizers have reported. The prices for mulled wine are not expected to rise. As in the previous year and depending on the region, they are likely to start at 3.50 euros and 4 euros. A surcharge is to be expected for other treats. However, the local authorities are assuming that the Christmas atmosphere will be in demand despite the increased cost of living, especially in times of crisis.
The city of Frankfurt (Oder) announced that traders and exhibitors are reporting a lack of staff. This makes it increasingly difficult to adequately staff Christmas markets. In Brandenburg an der Havel, trade association chairman Michael Kilian said: "The generation that wants to do this is dying out." In Potsdam, organizer Eberhard Heieck also reported that some traders had cancelled due to a lack of staff, but others had joined. The same number of stands will be on offer as last year.
What is the impact of inflation?
"The price increases are having a full impact," said trade association chairman Kilian in Brandenburg an der Havel. Higher costs for meat and staff, for example, have to be passed on to consumers. Food will therefore probably become a little more expensive. Eberhard Heieck, who runs the Christmas markets in Potsdam and Cottbus, said he believed that there would be a price increase of around 50 cents for confectionery and baked goods, for example.
However, the market organizers warn that prices should be raised moderately. "Traders and restaurateurs know that if they are too expensive, customers will stop buying," said Heieck. Kilian also said: "The traders have learned that if you overdo it, you will get your revenge by reducing consumption".
At the "Blauer Lichterglanz" Christmas market in Potsdam and the "Christmas market of a thousand stars" in Cottbus, mulled wine will be available for 4 euros, just like last year, according to Heieck. Brandenburg an der Havel sets the price at 3.50 euros, according to the trade association. Frankfurt (Oder) has not yet been able to name a price for mulled wine. The city only said: "It probably won't be cheaper than last year." The Christmas markets often start on November 27.
Dispute over Gema fees for music - less "Last Christmas"?
Cities in Germany have complained about increased license fees for music at Christmas markets. For events in Brandenburg, too, it is said that almost only music is played for which the collecting society Gema does not charge. The classic "Oh Tannenbaum" and other very old songs are more likely to come into question. The hit "Last Christmas", for example, for which a fee is payable, is not played in Brandenburg (Havel), it was said.
Despite the challenges with staffing and potential price increases for some treats, the local authorities in Brandenburg anticipate a strong demand for Christmas markets, even in times of crisis. The pricing for mulled wine, a staple at these events, will likely stay fixed, starting at 3.50 euros in some regions, and 4 euros in others, with a potential surcharge for additional offerings. Meanwhile, trade associations and organizers warn against excessive price hikes, as they may deter customers and lead to reduced consumption.
Source: www.dpa.com
