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Fireworks fever: Germans are buying more firecrackers than ever despite the crisis!
German consumers will spend more on New Year's Eve fireworks in 2024. Weco expands offering despite economic uncertainty.
Fireworks fever: Germans are buying more firecrackers than ever despite the crisis!
In Germany the mood is lifting at the turn of the year! Despite the challenging economic situation, fireworks enthusiasts expect a significant increase in sales. The Weco fireworks company, the largest company of its kind in Germany, highlights that retail sales have increased by around 20 percent compared to the previous year. Sales manager Oliver Gerstmeier states: “Fireworks are more popular than ever before.” After the almost empty shelves in the past two years, Weco has massively increased its offering. Sales of New Year's Eve fireworks are currently at a phenomenal 180 million euros, as reported by the Association of the Pyrotechnic Industry (VPI).
Nevertheless, the forecast for the current year remains uncertain. The general economic weakness and concerns about jobs could dampen consumers' purchasing mood. Additionally, fireworks prices are rising due to higher freight rates from China. Weco, which controls around two thirds of the market in Germany, produces around 20 percent of its fireworks itself at its locations in Eitorf and Kiel, where 280 people are employed. “The tighter the budget is, the more fireworks are bought,” adds Gerstmeier, as many people want to symbolically say goodbye to the old year, like this radio.bonn.de reported.
Controversial pleasure
However, the firecrackers have been criticized: environmentalists warn about the consequences of fireworks such as fine dust emissions and garbage, while animal rights activists emphasize the negative effects on wild animals. To address this issue, Weco has largely switched its packaging from plastic to paper and cardboard to minimize waste. Yet despite these efforts, the debate over the environmental impact of fireworks remains intense. While prices rise and the buying mood wavers, the question arises as to whether the Germans will remain true to their fireworks tradition this year as well krone.at reported.