There’s so much going on in stores in Germany this New Year Fireworks lie like never before. According to their own statements, the fireworks companies delivered significantly larger quantities to retailers than in the previous year. The industry leader Weco spoke of a roughly ten percent higher volume of goods, while its competitor Comet spoke of a moderate increase.
Rockets, firecrackers and fireworks batteries may be sold from December 29th to 31st. Goods that are not sold are returned to the manufacturer. Last year, however, there was only a little Fireworks came back, Weco announced.
The industry is optimistic about New Year’s Eve
The Association of the Pyrotechnic Industry is also expecting a strong turn of the year. More fireworks were delivered than last year, said managing director Klaus Gotzen. So-called composite fireworks and fireworks batteries are particularly in demand, as they burn off multiple effects over a period of minutes after being lit once. However, whether sales will exceed last year also depends on the weather. In 2024, the association reported sales of 197 million euros for New Year’s Eve business, after 180 million euros in the previous year.
At the same time, the criticism of private fireworks displays continues. Animal rights activists warn of stress for pets and wild animals, environmentalist complain about waste and resource consumption. The police union is calling for increasing Attacks on emergency services a Firecracker ban. However, the interior ministers of the federal states were recently unable to agree on introducing such a ban.
Manufacturers point to support and adjustments
The fireworks companies see broad support among the population in the high demand. According to the industry association, the majority use legal fireworks responsibly. Above all, illegal firecrackers caused problems.
At the same time, the industry has changed its products, Weco said. Plastic parts have largely been replaced by wood and cardboard, and there are also quieter versions of fireworks. Prices could rise slightly this year because transport costs for containers from China are high, Weco said.
Imported goods dominate the market
Weco is the last large fireworks company that still produces in Germany. The company employs around 260 people, including around 200 in Eitorf near Bonn and 30 in Kiel, where rockets and spray wheels are manufactured. Around 15 percent of sales come from our own production; the majority of the goods are imported, especially from China. In the 2023/24 financial year, Weco achieved sales of around 136 million euros and a profit of 17 million euros.
The competitors Nico from Berlin and Comet from Bremerhaven are purely trading companies and import their products entirely. Comet employs around 120 people, recently generated sales of around 60 million euros and is owned by a Chinese trading group. There is also another small manufacturer in Germany, FKF GmbH in Freiberg, but it only plays a small role in the mass market.
