With the upcoming Muslim month of fasting, Berlin's confectionery shops and traditional konditorei are experiencing a real siege. Although from Thursday believers will refrain from eating and drinking between sunrise and sunset, demand for sweets and dried fruits has almost doubled. Entrepreneurs are increasing staffing and supplies to meet the interest of customers preparing for the evening breaking of the fast and joyful celebration with loved ones.

Sharp increase in sales

Berlin bakeries report a doubling of turnover just before the start of Ramadan. The main goods are traditional pastries and decorative gift sets.

Staff mobilization

Shop owners decide to hire additional workers to efficiently handle the increased number of customers coming to districts such as Neukölln.

Role of social gatherings

High demand results from the tradition of joint evening meals. Sweets are an indispensable element of invitations to the traditional iftar after sunset.

The approaching Ramadan has triggered pre-holiday fever in Berlin, particularly visible in districts such as Neukölln or Charlottenburg. Although the essence of this period is abstinence, market reality shows another side of preparations. Bakery owners, such as Mustafa from Palast Konditorei, report a doubling of sales in the first days of the holiday. Customers are bulk-buying traditional pastries and gift sets that end up on tables during evening meals. The tradition of exchanging sweets after the end of Ramadan, during the Eid al-Fitr festival, dates back to the beginnings of Islam and symbolizes gratitude and joy from fulfilling a religious duty. This phenomenon is explained by, among others, Arzu Araee, who runs a dried fruit shop at Olivaer Platz. She points out that Ramadan time is primarily a period of intense social gatherings. Evening iftars require appropriate culinary arrangements, in which sweets and nuts play a key role. Therefore, entrepreneurs decide to increase the number of staff and prepare special gift packaging in advance, allowing them to efficiently handle the increased traffic. 100% — some bakeries report sales growth Experts indicate that Ramadan in Berlin has become an important factor stimulating local trade economy. This impact goes beyond the religious aspect, becoming a significant element of the economic landscape of the German capital. Local companies must demonstrate great flexibility to combine respect for fasting traditions with the growing consumerism accompanying joint celebration after dark. For many Berlin residents, sweets have become an indispensable element of social integration during this exceptional month. Trade activity in bakeries: Daily sales: Standard level → Increase by nearly 100%; Employment: Normal staffing → Additional workers per shift; Assortment: Standard offer → Increased production of gifts and dried fruits

Mentioned People

  • Arzu Araee — Owner of a sweets and nuts shop at Olivaer Platz in Berlin.
  • Mustafa — Representative of Palast Konditorei in the Berlin district of Neukölln.