Overview

• A €24.40 schnitzel in Binz triggered criticism from Tourism Minister Wolfgang Blank, who warned high prices could damage the Baltic Sea’s appeal.
• Dehoga chief Ingrid Hartges stressed that pricing is set by restaurateurs, not the state, and cited post‑2022 increases of 37.4% in labor and about 30% in energy, food and beverages.
• Federal statistics show pork prices have risen roughly 47.5% since September 2019, underscoring pressure on menu costs.
• Blank has since said prices in Japan and Germany are not directly comparable and described his remarks as an anecdote from a business trip rather than a price comparison.
• Following public invitations from restaurant owners, Blank indicated he would meet to discuss cost pressures, as industry voices also pointed to the 19% VAT on dine‑in meals versus 7% for take‑away.