In the second half of the year, catering enterprises are likely to be forced to raise prices. This forecast was given by entrepreneur Gunars Kirsons, pointing to rising costs and the impact of the international situation on the economy.
Residents of Latvia may have to pay more for lunches in cafes and restaurants in the second half of the year.
This opinion was expressed in an interview with the LETA agency by entrepreneur and founder of the Lido chain, Gunars Kirsons. According to him, the rise in prices in the catering sector seems almost inevitable against the backdrop of increasing business expenses and ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Kirsons believes that businesses will have to find a balance between the need to maintain profitability and the desire not to pass all rising costs onto customers. He stated that businesses should be able to bear part of the financial burden during periods when the country faces economic difficulties.
At the same time, the entrepreneur acknowledges that many companies primarily focus on their own financial indicators. In his opinion, this is natural for business; however, it is important to consider the broader economic context.
For restaurant and cafe visitors, such forecasts mean that expenses for dining out may gradually increase in the autumn and winter, especially if the rise in energy prices, logistics, and food products continues.
Kirsons also touched upon the topic of safety. In his view, modern catering enterprises need to think not only about the quality of services and financial results but also about preparedness for possible crisis situations. In particular, he considers it reasonable to provide buildings with basements or other safe spaces where people could shelter in case of emergencies, including incidents involving drones.
The entrepreneur paid special attention to cooperation with local producers. In his opinion, restaurants and cafes should work more actively with Latvian farmers and processors to strengthen the domestic economy and reduce dependence on external supplies.
The topic of food self-sufficiency has become increasingly relevant in recent years against the backdrop of instability in global markets and rising geopolitical risks.
Kirsons himself no longer controls the catering network he created. In the spring of this year, the Estonian Apollo Group completed the buyout of shares and became the sole owner of the Lido company.
Despite warnings about a possible price increase, much will depend on the cost of energy resources, raw materials, and the overall economic situation in the region in the coming months.
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