Escalating Prices: Doner Shortage in Baden-Württemberg
In Baden-Württemberg, a region known for its love of the doner, a popular and versatile dish, a recent wage dispute at the Birtat Meat World SE doner meat production facility in Murr had caused concerns among many. This factory, the largest producer of frozen doner skewers in the region, supplies numerous doner restaurants across Germany.
The dispute, which started in March 2025, had led to weeks of strikes and stalled negotiations. The fear was that ongoing work stoppages at Birtat might push doner prices higher—possibly toward €10 per kebab—and create scarcity in doner availability. With over 600 doner stores in Baden-Württemberg alone and doner being a significant part of Germany's daily food consumption, such a scenario would have been a cause for concern.
However, the recent wage agreement at Birtat has brought some relief. The new agreement secures starting wages of about €3,000 gross per month for workers, easing immediate fears of doner price hikes and shortages due to disrupted production.
The doner, also known as doner kebab, which translates to "rotating spit meat," is a cult food in Germany, consumed by over 3 million people daily. It is valued for its role as a quick meal on the go or a cozy meal with friends. The meat is grilled on a vertical spit and seasoned with various spices, and served in a warm flatbread or pita with fresh vegetables such as lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, and a sauce.
Given the recent wage deal and strike resolution, the current situation is stabilized with less risk of further price increases or doner shortages. However, the wage increase represents a higher production cost. Consequently, some cost pressure on doner prices in Baden-Württemberg and Germany more broadly may persist going forward, although immediate sharp price rises have been defused by the settlement.
In summary, the strike at Birtat has ended, doner meat production has resumed normally, and immediate fears of doner prices hitting €10 have been mitigated. While moderate upward pressure on prices remains due to higher wages, large shortages or sudden price spikes are unlikely in the near term. This resolution is considered a historic achievement in the doner meat industry, reflecting a balance between workers’ wage demands and market price stability.
The doner, a treat for people of all ages in Germany, continues to be a beloved part of the country's food culture. With over 20,000 stores nationwide, it remains a significant part of Germany's daily food consumption.
- In light of the new wage agreement, there could be an enduring pressure on doner prices in Baden-Württemberg and Germany as a whole, since the higher wages represent a greater production cost.
- Given its popularity, the doner – a staple food in Germany – holds significant importance in the health-and-wellness and lifestyle sectors, offering high demand at numerous doner restaurants across the country.
- As advocates for a healthier workplace, companies might consider offering workplace-wellness programs that incorporate cooking classes featuring foods like the doner, given its association with food-and-drink choices and overall well-being.
