Six in ten consumers consider sugar tax unfair

Concerns about rising grocery prices are shaping the debate around a broad sugar tax. Research conducted by Peil.nl on behalf of industry association VBZ shows that concerns about grocery affordability are widespread. The organization also warns of negative consequences of a broad sugar tax for supermarkets, manufacturers, and cross-border shopping.

Affordability concerns

Of the 3,400 Dutch consumers surveyed, 84 percent are concerned about grocery prices. Nearly one in ten say they can already barely afford their daily groceries. Meanwhile, the coalition government is discussing a broad sugar tax. Six in ten Dutch consumers consider such a measure unfair. Among low-income households, that figure rises to seven in ten.

According to VBZ director Theo Heere, the measure lacks public support. “Dutch consumers are asking for affordable groceries, not additional financial burdens. There is no support for a broad sugar tax because the measure disproportionately affects low- and middle-income households.”

Preference for affordable healthy food

Consumers with lower incomes are particularly reluctant to support higher prices for unhealthy products. Only one in ten believes these products should become more expensive. More than four in ten would rather see healthy products become more affordable.

Heere argues that consumers are primarily looking for affordable options. “If policymakers want to promote healthier lifestyles, it makes more sense to make healthy choices more affordable than to further increase the cost of the shopping basket.”

More cross-border grocery shopping

According to the survey, price differences with neighboring countries are already influencing consumer behavior. Currently, 31 percent of Dutch consumers occasionally shop for groceries in Germany, Belgium, or Luxembourg. Of that group, half say they would shop across the border more often if a broad sugar tax leads to higher prices. Nearly a quarter are also considering doing so.

VBZ also questions the effectiveness of a broad sugar tax as a tool to reduce obesity. According to the industry association, sugar consumption in the Netherlands has been declining for years. Despite this trend, the number of people who are overweight continues to rise. According to Heere, there is no convincing evidence that a broad sugar tax actually leads to lower obesity rates.

Vbz.nl