Rhineland-Palatinate: Gastronomy is recovering, more jobs after Corona!

Rhineland-Palatinate: Gastronomy is recovering, more jobs after Corona!

The catering industry in Rhineland-Palatinate is showing signs of recovery after the difficult years of the corona pandemic. According to current reports, the number of employees in this industry has returned to pre-Corona levels. In the first half of 2025, the number of employees increased by 1.4 percent compared to the previous year. Particularly noteworthy is the increase in the catering industry itself, which is 3.1 percent, while restaurants, cafés, ice cream parlors and snack bars even recorded an increase of 4.1 percent.

Gereon Haumann, President of the Dehoga Rhineland-Palatinate hotel and restaurant association, described the development as entirely positive. The improvement in working conditions, which has been achieved since 2022 through wage increases and adjusted collective agreements, contributes to the stability of the industry. The training conditions have also improved; Trainees now receive better pay and adjusted contracts. In addition, the younger generation is showing a growing understanding of the importance of a good work-life balance.

Sales problems and challenges

Despite the positive employment figures, real sales in the catering sector fell by 2.4 percent in the first six months of 2025. The accommodation industry in particular recorded a decline in sales of 0.9 percent. Haumann emphasized that the hotel industry is not only experiencing losses in sales, but also business insolvencies. The higher prices this year represent an additional burden for businesses, although the price increases for guests are considered necessary in order to stabilize the economic situation.

Compared to June, sales in July were so poor that they were described as catastrophic. The industry is hoping for better weather in August to increase guest numbers. There is also a call for a reduction in VAT on food consumed on site in order to reduce the burden on catering establishments.

Pest control in the catering industry

Another aspect that is important for the catering industry is pest control. The modern approach to integrated pest management (IPM) goes beyond the application of pest control products alone and utilizes various strategies to develop tailored solutions to specific pest problems. The aim is to maximize the effects of the treatments on pests while minimizing the impact on people. Effective pest control is essential, especially for catering establishments that value cleanliness and hygiene.

In Washington, Rocket Pest has been in the industry since 1965 and is considered an indicator of honest service and good results. Thanks to their many years of experience, they can help catering establishments to professionally master the challenges of pest control and thus ensure the satisfaction of their guests.