Chocolate is crisis-resistant - and has a future

The hospitality industry is facing a variety of challenges and changes, particularly with regard to staff and service. One key issue is focus training: more and more employees are being prepared internally for specific tasks, as the traditional training of specialist staff is on the decline. Experienced staff are increasingly taking on the role of trainers and managers for semi-skilled colleagues. This is supported by the use of CoBots, i.e. robots that take on auxiliary work such as clearing up or simple kitchen tasks without replacing human labor.

The international food service market is becoming increasingly dynamic with innovative concepts and new players. International and European chains in particular are gaining in importance and expanding worldwide, such as Dishroom and Sexy Fish Miami. One example of this is Pret a Manger, which is also increasingly establishing itself in various countries, as are L’Osteria and Sticks’n’Sushi. Ikea is also breaking new ground with its own restaurant concept, as demonstrated by the opening of an independent restaurant in Hammersmith, London. This illustrates the increasing bundling of chains and the transfer of successful restaurant concepts to new markets.

For the first time since 2009, the Guide MICHELIN has evaluated the entire Austrian gastronomy scene, bringing it back into the international spotlight. While in recent years only the cities of Vienna and Salzburg were included, 2025 marks a new era where the entire country shines in culinary brilliance. This comprehensive reevaluation not only honors the exceptional diversity and quality of Austrian cuisine but also reestablishes the Alpine Republic as an indispensable global gourmet destination. A truly extraordinary year that underscores the significance of gastronomy as a cultural and tourism treasure.