The national dish now costs 1,370 krónur

The beloved Icelandic hot dog, often referred to as the "national dish," has seen another price increase, pushing the cost of a "pylsa með öllu" (hot dog with everything) to 1,370 Icelandic krónur (approximately $9.80 USD).

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This is just rising product prices and wages. There were two wage increases during the year. SS [Sláturfélag Suðurlands] also increases prices at this time.

Baldur Ingi Halldórsson, managing director of Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, explained that the price of the hot dog alone rose from 880 krónur to 920 krónur in late May. This marks the second price increase for the hot dog in less than a year, while the price of accompanying sodas has remained unchanged. Halldórsson noted that labor costs are the largest expense for the company, now accounting for 50-60% of their budget, a significant jump from the 30% it represented when he started 15 years ago.

Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, which began as a hot dog stand in 1937, is a popular stop for both locals and tourists. The hot dog is a significant contributor to the company's sales figures. Beyond hot dogs, the company also sells candy and snacks, and operates a store in the local zoo. They have also expanded their brand with a merchandise line and currently operate 12 branches across Iceland.

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Wages are the biggest cost item for the company. Men in my industry are struggling with 50-60% labor costs, which was 30% when I started about 15 years ago.

The previous price hike for the hot dog, from 740 to 880 krónur, was reported in March. Following that increase, the American newspaper The New York Times interviewed Halldórsson and other Reykjavik hot dog vendors about rising prices amid inflation.

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The hot dog has the largest share in Bæjarins Beztu's sales figures.