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Labour shortages continue to be a key problem in the wine and hospitality industry worldwide. According to the ProWein Business Report, around one in two companies (45%) stated that they had suffered from staff shortages in the past two years (2021 and 2022). The main problem is that the baby boomers are leaving the labour market and cannot be adequately replaced by younger workers. While wine producers are primarily looking for labour during the harvest season and in the summer months, the hotel and catering industry is struggling to recruit new or older staff following the coronavirus pandemic. Many vacancies could still not be filled in 2023. The situation is comparatively better in the retail sector: At 32 to 36 per cent, importers and specialist wine merchants are less affected by the labour shortage.
According to the report, the majority of companies have compensated for the labour shortage primarily by working overtime. This is already pushing family-run businesses to their limits. A further deterioration in the situation could have devastating consequences. This is because the socially and economically unsustainable labour requirements of winegrowing businesses also reduce the chances of the next generation taking over the business.
A lack of labour also had an impact on the performance and product range of the companies. One in three was unable to offer customers the desired quality or the usual service. The grape harvest was delayed, which led to a drop in quality. Guests in the catering and hotel industry were also often unable to be offered the desired service. Loss of sales, changes to opening hours or delivery problems were further consequences of the staff shortage.
More than half of the businesses surveyed stated that the industry would continue to rely on immigration and international seasonal workers in the future. Finding qualified staff remains a major challenge.
(ru / ProWein Business Report)