Ritter Sport CEO Warns germany “Doing Too Well,” Advocates for Higher Retirement Age
Germany’s economic complacency and regulatory hurdles are raising concerns among business leaders, with the head of chocolate manufacturer Ritter Sport suggesting a need for greater economic hardship to spur necessary change.The company’s CEO also voiced support for increasing the retirement age, citing improved health and evolving work conditions.
A recent interview with the news portal “t-online” revealed the executive’s candid assessment of the German economy. “I frequently enough think: We’re still doing too well,” he stated, expressing a belief that a sense of urgency is lacking. He extended this sentiment to his fellow citizens, hinting at a willingness to consider a later retirement age.
The CEO personally favors working longer, noting that modern workplaces are less physically demanding than in previous generations. He illustrated this point with a personal anecdote, stating, “My grandfather died at 70; when he retired at 65 or 67, he only had a few years left – he was just physically worn out from the hard work. That’s no longer the norm.” He believes many individuals are capable of and desire continued employment due to advancements in healthcare.
Beyond individual work lives, the executive highlighted broader economic challenges. He argued that attributing all difficulties to political decisions is an oversimplification, pointing to structural changes in certain sectors that haven’t received adequate support, notably from the European Union. “what worries me the most is the regulatory madness and the constantly changing requirements,” he said. “I think: we need more planning security and pragmatism.”
Despite these concerns, the CEO affirmed Germany’s underlying strengths, emphasizing the nation’s robust education system and strong research capabilities. Though, he reiterated his belief that a tangible loss of prosperity might potentially be necessary to catalyze meaningful action. He stressed the importance of a collaborative effort from the current government – specifically the SPD and the Union – to navigate these challenges,warning that failure to do so could have severe consequences.
The conversation also touched upon Ritter Sport’s continued business operations in Russia, a decision that has drawn scrutiny. The executive acknowledged the declining profitability of the Russian market, with profits falling from almost one million euros in 2023 to approximately 200,000 euros last year, and a projected loss this year.Currently, a ritter Sport chocolate bar costs around 2.25 euros (200 rubles) in Russia.
Despite the financial downturn, the company has maintained its presence, a decision the CEO described as one of the most arduous of his career. He framed it as a choice between “obligation and attitude,” ultimately prioritizing the preservation of the company and its workforce. A withdrawal, he argued, would have jeopardized the company’s existence, potentially costing 100 million euros and mirroring the impact of an exit from China on the local auto industry. Russia currently accounts for around 20 percent of Ritter Sport’s total sales.
Here’s a breakdown answering the “Why, Who, What, and How” questions, turning the initial statement into a substantive news report:
Why: The Ritter Sport CEO believes Germany’s current economic success is breeding complacency and hindering necessary reforms. he argues a degree of economic hardship might be needed to spur action and address structural issues.
**Who
