Farewell from the president

This article is available for reading in Trade magazin 2026/02-03

– What was the general mood in the profession in 2025?

László Kovács
president
MVI

– The hospitality industry didn’t experience any dramatic changes in 2025, but its operation was somewhat transformed by the constant need to adapt. The fundamental dilemma of the market was that while demand didn’t disappear, it became much more unpredictable.

– How did guests react?

– Hungarian guests not only visit restaurants less often, but also spend less on average – or at most the same as before. Consumption is increasingly concentrated to weekends and holidays.

– What was the most pressing concern?

– Costs remained at the centre of restaurateurs’ concerns – the rise in energy prices, the pressure of labour and raw material costs. Meanwhile, guests have become even more price-sensitive too.

– Has the labour shortage eased?

– The problem isn’t necessarily a lack of temporary workers, but rather a shortage of well-trained, dedicated and reliable long-term employees. Turnover is high and the loyalty level is low, and all this puts a great burden on restaurant owners.

– What results have you achieved in interest representation?

– One result is that – in collaboration with several professional organisations – we have succeeded in obtaining support from the National Cooperation Fund, which can be used for digitalisation developments. One of MVI’s priority issues was to address the practical problems of simplified employment. Finally, let me announce here and now that I don’t wish to stand for re-election in 2026.