Potential upheaval in Germany's doner kebab industry due to strike threats, with prices potentially rising to more than €10
In the heart of Germany, a prolonged labor dispute at Birtat, a major doner kebab producer, has raised concerns about the future of this popular fast-food staple. The company, part of Meat World SE, generates approximately €200 million ($233.19 million) in annual revenue, producing frozen veal, chicken, and beef skewers.
The dispute, ongoing for several rounds without resolution, involves approximately 115 employees who are demanding a monthly pay increase of €375, a standardized entry-level salary of €3,000, and a company-wide collective pay agreement. German news outlet Bild reported on the deadlock in the wage negotiations.
In recent years, the price of doner kebabs has steadily increased, with most places now charging at least €7 or more, a significant rise from the €2.50 price two decades ago. The ongoing strike at Birtat poses a threat to the supply of doner kebabs in Germany, potentially pushing the retail price above €10, a psychological threshold for many consumers.
The labor dispute was recently settled with a historic collective wage agreement, setting a starting monthly salary of €2,600 (about $3,300), with planned increases through 2026, covering around 120 workers. This agreement alleviated immediate fears of widespread shortages and drastic price hikes. However, recent renewed strikes indicate that tensions may not be fully resolved yet.
If further strikes continue, there could still be risks to doner kebab supply and price stability. Analysts warn the combined effect of higher labor costs and meat price increases may push kebab prices above €10 in the future.
Doner kebab has evolved into a staple of urban food culture, especially in major cities like Berlin, Hamburg, and Frankfurt. As one of Germany's most popular fast-food items, widely available across the country, the potential impact of this labor dispute cannot be understated.
Workers have staged multiple walkouts since February, including ten short-term warning strikes and a five-day full strike. A recent union vote has authorized an extension of strike action, signaling a continued escalation.
Despite the recent resolution, the threat of further strikes and potential price increases looms over the doner kebab industry in Germany. Consumers and businesses alike will be watching closely to see how this situation unfolds.
- The unsettled labor dispute at Birtat, a Turkish doner kebab producer based in Germany, could lead to a Turkish-made fast-food staple becoming scarce in food-and-drink establishments across Germany.
- With constant strikes and the looming threat of increased labor costs, the prices of doner kebabs, a popular element of health-and-wellness lifestyles and workplace-wellness programs in Germany, could exceed the psychological threshold of €10.
- Although the labor conflict at Birtat has resulted in a company-wide collective pay agreement, the ongoing uncertainty changes the landscape of the doner kebab industry in Turkeykiye's economic contributions to the German food-and-drink sector.
- As doner kebabs have become an essential part of urban food culture in cities like Istanbul, it is noteworthy to consider the impact of potential increases in price and instability within the industry on the German science community, which has conducted research on various aspects of this popular food.
