Traditional butcher Bechtel closes in Zella after 40 years!

Traditional butcher Bechtel closes in Zella after 40 years!

Zella, Deutschland - The butcher Bechtel meat closes its branch in Zella, after over 40 years in the service of the community. The last day of sale took place last Saturday. This traditional company has been an integral part of local life since 1981 and a popular meeting place for residents. Managing Director Johannes Bechtel describes the decision to close it as difficult but essential. The reason? The lack of personnel, which now affects the entire craft nationwide, has not stopped at Bechtel. As the HNA has set the company early to meet the challenges of the industry.

digitization and new approaches

Thanks to "sausage tomatoes", which enable sales outside of regular opening times, Bechtel remains competitive even in a challenging time. There is also a 24-hour market in Neukirchen and an SB regiom market in Loshausen. The online shop has also been expanded so that the customers can continue to be cared for despite the closure in Zella. It is positive that the other three branches in Alsfeld, Schrecksbach and Ziegenhain remain open and are also equipped with "sausage tomatoes".

A look at the industry

With the closure of the Zeller branch, Bechtel is part of a sad reality: Many butchers and butchers in Germany are about to go out or fight with creative solutions to continue learning. The shortage of skilled workers is so noticeable that it is not unlikely that the number of companies will continue to drop. As the Deutschlandfunk , there were still over 10,000 master companies in 2024, which has corresponded to a drastic reduction of almost 50 percent since 2002. In addition, the offspring has decreased in the butcher; In 2023, just about 2,300 young people completed an apprenticeship - a decline compared to previous years.

The average meat consumption in Germany is now 51.6 kg per year, which is over 8 kg less than in 2018. Consumers are increasingly emphasizing sustainability and species -appropriate animal husbandry, which puts the industry under pressure. Meat consumption is increasingly being considered critically and the number of butchers is unevenly distributed in many regions. There are more than twice as many companies per capita in Bavaria as in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.

strategies for the future

In order to get out of the crisis, butchers need new approaches and strategies. Technical innovations and modern forms of sales are becoming increasingly important. As discussed on the Süffa, a trade fair for the meat industry, the attractiveness of the professions in the butcher's craft should be increased. Companies are committed to health care and further training to gain and maintain qualified employees.

The craft as a whole also suffers from the shortage of skilled workers. According to a study, over 500,000 jobs are vacant, which endangers the future of many companies.

Bechtel's search for trainees, career changers, and butcher's specialist sellers shows that despite the difficult circumstances there is hope for offspring. Companies have to continue to strive to inspire young people for the butcher trade. As flesheei.de , creative solutions are asked to master today's challenges.

A rethink in the industry could help to cushion the existential problems and maybe bring about a turn. Bechtel and many other butchers could benefit from these innovative approaches before the sector shrinks even more.