With the new year, various items from taxes to grocery bags received price hikes. This situation led food and beverage sector businesses to raise menu prices by up to 20%. Industry representatives claim that prices were increased due to rising costs, while citizens are expressing their outrage.
What Do Industry Representatives Say?
According to Nefes Newspaper, some industry representatives commented, “If it’s expensive, don’t go,” while others stated that the hikes are not justified.
Mehmet Bülent Deniz, the Chairman of the Consumer Union Federation, expressed concerns about the increases, stating, “We observe significant increases in service sector businesses. This is unacceptable. Despite high turnover in fast consumption points and food prices stabilizing, we are seeing high increases. This is opportunism. People are moving away from cafes and restaurants,” he said.
“If It’s Expensive, Don’t Go”
Ramazan Bingöl, Chairman of the All Restaurants and Tourism Association, said, “Whether it’s expensive or not is up to the customer to decide. The materials used, location, and rents are factors in pricing. If it’s expensive, don’t go,” he stated.
Discounted Days Are Coming
Kaya Demirer, President of the Tourism Restaurants Investors and Gastronomy Establishments Association, addressed the criticism of exorbitant prices, stating, “We are also suffering due to businesses engaging in opportunistic behavior.”
Demirer mentioned that businesses are planning to organize campaigns offering more affordable prices or more products at the same price on slower days of the week or different time slots. He said, “Unfortunately, we are going through a challenging period where both sides are right. Our desire is to take care of our guests during this period.”
Decline in Customer Numbers
Ebru Köktürk Korali, Chairman of the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce 17th Restaurant, Food, and Beverage Committee and a Member of the TURYİD Board, noted that there has been a decrease in customer numbers by up to 25%.
