Germany’s confectionery trade body, the BDSI, has confirmed that negotiations with the NGG food, beverages and catering union have ended without a result in a dispute over pay for North Rhine-Westphalia confectionery workers, reports Neill Barston.

The ongoing situation comes as the sector faces renewed pressures as manufacturing, energy and ingredients costs have all soared in recent years, placing significant test on the industry.

Consequently, 2026 has seen major manufacturers move swiftly to engage with alternative ingredients and products for chocolate ranges in particular, in a bid to drive down operating costs.

As the BDSI observed, the third round of negotiations between itself and the NGG, saw employers present a third, and significantly improved offer in Krefeld, which was rejected by the union. 

From its perspective, the confectionery trade body said that concessions had been made, and an economically viable offer presented, including terms of 24 months (May 1, 2026 – April 30, 2028), and a 2% increase in collectively agreed wages and trainee allowances starting July 1, 2026.

There would also be a paid  vacation allowance of €156 net on July 1, 2026, for all employees (€80 net for trainees), with a further 2% increase in collectively agreed wages and trainee allowances starting July 1, 2027.  Furthermore, a payment of an additional vacation allowance of €156 net on July 1, 2027, for all employees (€80 net for trainees), was also projected, but these were rejected by the union.

“We have made moves over three rounds and presented a fair offer. We remain open to dialogue, but we will not accept demands that companies cannot afford to meet,” says Dr. Mario Mundorf, BDSI Managing Director for Collective Bargaining Policy. 

According to the organisation, which represents a strong core of confectionery companies across Germany, there will be an additional round of negotiations that is scheduled for August.