The overall picture is optimistic, yet there’s a looming threat that could seriously harm the sector: the reduction of the working week. Almost certainly, the new 37.5-hour workweek will come into force on January 1st, 2026.
After several years of sharp cost increases—now somewhat stabilised—companies are facing a new challenge that will bring organisational and production difficulties in maintaining adequate staffing levels, ultimately leading to lower profitability.
The numbers speak for themselves: 60% of companies are either maintaining flat profitability or have experienced a decline, despite increased sales.
Just a few days ago, even the distribution employers’ association ASEDAS raised its voice. Their assessment is clear: the measure will have a direct impact on prices paid by consumers.
Labour availability across all links in the supply chain (now including supermarkets, some of which have begun training their employees as a first step) remains a deep-rooted issue. Reducing working hours without a realistic strategy in place could lead to collateral damage that will be difficult to manage.
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Is the sector prepared to take another hit? If profitability was already on the ropes, it now appears even more vulnerable.
