In Germany, rising inflation has heightened sensitivity to everyday expenses, and one notable indicator of this trend is the price of ice cream. As summer rolls around, residents from Bavaria to Berlin and the Baltic Sea find themselves lamenting the increasing costs of their favorite frozen treat.
This focus on ice cream pricing may stem from a desire to fully enjoy the fleeting summer months, or perhaps from nostalgic memories of spending pocket money on scoops of ice cream. For some, the rising cost serves as a stark reminder of economic pressures.
In response to these economic challenges, Michael Bohmer, who operates a café in Gaggenau, near Stuttgart, has implemented a novel pricing strategy: charging customers by the gram. Bohmer’s approach aims to offer a fairer, more flexible pricing model, allowing customers to purchase ice cream according to their budget.
“At Cafe Brezels, we charge €2 for 100 grams of ice cream, which is a fair price given that a typical scoop in Berlin can cost at least €2,” Bohmer explained. For reference, an 80-gram scoop would cost approximately €1.60. This method contrasts with more traditional pricing, where a standard scoop is often priced around €2.
The new pricing model also addresses operational efficiency. Since staff members scoop varying amounts of ice cream—sometimes differing by up to 30 grams—charging by the gram simplifies bookkeeping and ensures accuracy. Bohmer notes that while this system has led to some reduction in sales, as customers often opt for smaller portions, the primary goal is fairness.
Bohmer believes this approach reflects a sense of responsibility towards the community, allowing those with tighter budgets to still enjoy a treat and enabling parents to purchase smaller portions for their children. “It’s a chance to show solidarity,” he said.
Feedback from customers has been positive. “You only pay for what you get,” said Sergis Givargis, while Steffi Wick appreciated the model’s inclusivity, noting, “It’s designed so everyone can afford it, which isn’t always the case these days.”
Although the new system may take some getting used to, Bohmer finds that most customers are content with choosing either a small or large scoop, rather than an exact weight. For Bohmer, the emphasis on fairness outweighs any complexities introduced by the new pricing structure.
