Sugar-sweetened beverage taxes in Europe: learning for the future

Abstract

Background Sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) taxes are recommended globally as part of measures to prevent diet-related NCDs. However, their uptake in the World Health Organization (WHO) European Region has been limited. The aim of this study was to inform strategic, cross-sectoral, public health policy engagement to support the uptake and effective implementation of SSB taxation. Methods We conducted a policy analysis of SSB taxes in the WHO European Region, drawing on theories of policy making and diffusion of innovation. Data were collected from policy documents and media, secondary contextual sources and qualitative interview data (n = 20) to analyze factors influencing the adoption of taxes in 10 countries. Results Belgium, Finland, France, Hungary, Ireland, Latvia, Monaco, Norway, Portugal and the UK had current SSB taxes, but Monaco was excluded from the findings due to its unique taxation context. All countries were characterized by policy priority for NCD prevention, and in many there was a fiscal imperative to raise revenue. The taxes took the form of excises or levies, and the tax base and rate varied between countries. SSB taxation was fostered by constructive engagement between health and fiscal policy makers, but also influenced by external industry and public health stakeholders. Policy learning from national and international experience was evident in all countries. Conclusions This study points to the value of ongoing policy learning for improving tax design, and the importance of constructive collaboration between finance and health policy makers. It also suggests regional bodies could play a greater role in supporting SSB taxation.

Linking health and finance ministries to improve taxes on unhealthy products

“…Following the global financial crisis of 2008–2010, several European countries adopted sugar-sweetened beverage taxes as part of their recovery package. 12 …”

“… 11 Evidence from countries that have successfully introduced health taxes indicates that collaboration between health and finance policy-makers can overcome these challenges and strengthen the design and implementation of health taxes. 12 …”

Framing Marketing Responses to National Regulation: The Four Ps in Transnational Corporate Political Discourse Comment on "Understanding Marketing Responses to a Tax on Sugary Drinks: A Qualitative Interview Study in the United Kingdom, 2019"

“…Such policy learning from national and international experience is an important factor in the diffusion of SSB taxes. 11 The United Kingdom represents an important reference country in this context, as one of the earliest to adopt an SSB tax with an explicit health objective. The role of corporate marketing responses within processes of policy learning is twofold: firstly , as Forde and colleagues highlight, marketing responses can influence a policy’s effectiveness; secondly , they can be presented or perceived as voluntary actions, particularly where the link to SSB taxation is less evident.…”

Soft Drink Intake in Europe—A Review of Data from Nationally Representative Food Consumption Surveys

“…Public health organisations and governments have recommended various policy interventions to reduce added/free sugars intake, including interventions to reduce the intake of SSBs and/or their sugars’ content [ 8 , 9 ]. These recommendations have included levies on soft drinks with some countries imposing levies on all soft drinks or only SSBs, with others imposing levies dependent on the sugars content of the beverage [ 10 , 11 ].…”