As the clock strikes midnight on the final day of 2023, and Jack Frost wraps his icy fingers around the world, a recent study by Food Service Vision has cast a shadow over the Café-Hotel-Restaurant (CHR) industry in France. The festive season, usually a time of merriment and bustling restaurant activity, has seen a sharp decline in footfall during November and December of 2023. The French population, it seems, has been less inclined to waltz through the doors of these establishments, with a 1% decrease in patronage compared to the previous year. The culprit? The dwindling purchasing power of households, leaving the industry feeling the chill of a winter’s night.

But lo and behold, it’s not all doom and gloom as the study reveals a shimmering silver lining amidst the seasonal decline. The overall year has seen a 9% increase in restaurant visits, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the gloom of winter.

But wait, there’s more! The study also uncovers a tale of fluctuating food prices. Olive oil, the shining star of many a dish, has seen a staggering price hike of 29.1%, leaving chefs and restaurateurs scratching their heads. Confectionery and rice prices have soared by 27.8% and 24.6% respectively, while the cost of vegetables has dipped by 4%. And let’s not forget the lamb and mutton prices, dropping by 2.5%, and flour prices following suit with a 1.5% decrease. These wild fluctuations have been attributed to the looming specter of inflation, making dining out feel like a journey to a distant and expensive land.

And if that wasn’t enough to send shivers down the spine, the production costs of popular restaurant dishes have seen a dramatic increase. Steak and fries? A whopping 35% surge in production costs over two years. Pizzas? A 30% cost increase in just one year. These chilling numbers have left many in the CHR industry feeling like they’re in the midst of an icy storm.

But fear not, for amidst the swirling snow and biting winds, there is hope on the horizon. The 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games are approaching, a shining beacon of promise for the CHR industry. As the world turns its eyes to this monumental sporting event, the CHR sector eagerly anticipates the influx of patrons and the lively buzz that is sure to follow.

So, as we brave the winter storms and navigate the treacherous terrain, let us raise our glasses to a resilient and hopeful CHR industry. Here’s to brighter days and bustling restaurants, where the warmth of good food and good company will melt away the frost of uncertainty. Cheers to a triumphant return for the beloved CHR sector!