Forecast: Food Services Employment in Turkey

The food services employment in Turkey has shown a varied trajectory over the years. From 2014 to 2019, there was a steady positive growth, averaging an annual increase due to economic stability and an expanding tourism industry. However, 2020 marked a significant downturn with a sharp decline of 19.9%, greatly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Post-pandemic recovery began in 2021 with a modest rise, followed by a substantial rebound of 22.37% in 2022. By 2023, the employment value stood at 1.3948 million employees, reflecting a robust year-on-year growth of 7.61%.

Looking ahead to the forecast period from 2024 to 2028, the employment in the food services sector is expected to grow at an average annual rate (CAGR) of 2.3%, leading to a cumulative growth of 12.05% by 2028. This indicates a stable recovery and expansion post-pandemic, with anticipated growth driven by increased consumer demand and recovery in the travel and hospitality sectors.

Future trends to watch for include:

• The resurgence of tourism, impacting employment rates positively.
• The influence of technological advancements and automation in food services.
• Potential economic policies or fluctuations impacting the sector's stability.
• Changes in consumer behavior and preferences, especially towards food delivery and dine-in experiences.