In the catering industry, due to the geopolitical situation and the increase in costs, a price increase is likely to be expected in the second half of the year, Gunārs Ķirsons, an entrepreneur and former owner of the catering and food trading company JSC “Lido”, told LETA in an interview.
He expressed that there will be an increase in prices in the industry in the second half of the year, however, entrepreneurs must be able to take part in losses at a time when the country is having a hard time. “Not everyone does that, most of them think about their business and profit first, and to some extent this is normal,” ķirsons admitted.
He added that the problem starts when both politicians and businessmen think only about themselves, therefore those who create jobs should not only look at profit, but should also think nationally.
Kirson emphasized that at the national level, catering companies also need to think about security, including basements and safety rooms in catering establishments so that people can take shelter in case of drone incidents.
“It is the right approach. We see what is happening in the world. We have to think ahead,” said ķirsons.
He also emphasized that caterers at the national level should also think about the economy and agriculture, including working with local producers and farmers, with those who produce right here in Latvia, so that Latvia becomes more self-sufficient.
LETA already reported that at the end of January 2025, Treeland, a subsidiary of the Estonian entertainment services and catering group Apollo Group, increased its stake in the capital of Lido to 96% by purchasing 21% of Lido’s shares from KEProjekti, owned by Ķirson. Thus, Ćirsons owned 4% of the capital shares of “Lido”. This year, on March 31, “Apollo Group” became the sole owner of “Lido”.
