An examination of Ireland’s sugar sweetened beverage tax (sugar tax) in practice

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2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background In the face of rising obesity levels, Ireland introduced a sugar sweetened beverage tax (SSBT) in 2018, the scope of which was extended in 2019. To date, there is a dearth of research on the actual impact of the SSBT on the pricing. Method This study involved an examination of the relative cost of leading brand full-sugar and sugar-free carbonated soft drinks in a convenience sample of 14 different Irish supermarkets. In light of manufacturers’ reformulation of certain brands (7UP, Sprite and Fanta), information was collected on the relative in-store pricing of three brands (Coca Cola, Pepsi and Club). Results In-store comparisons of equivalent size and unit number indicate that, in ∼60% of cases, the full-sugar and sugar-free versions of the same drink are being offered at the same price. Even when full-sugar versions of these brands were more expensive than the sugar-free alternatives, the price differential was sometimes less than the SSBT rate. Conclusions The pass-through rate of the SSBT to consumers is sub-optimal. Future policy and research suggestions are outlined.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)E551-E556
JournalJournal of Public Health (United Kingdom)
Volume45
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Sep 2023

Keywords

  • Keywords Ireland
  • SSBT
  • pass-through rate
  • price
  • sugar sweetened beverage tax
  • sugar tax

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