Since the implementation of Law 2277 of 2022, healthy taxes on ultra-processed sugary drinks and ultra-processed food products in Colombia have caused a notable change in citizens’ consumption habits.
According to the most recent study carried out by Kantar, the most affected categories in terms of purchase volume were liquid tea, flavored milk and chocolates/chocolate bars. During the first two months after the tax was implemented, sales declines ranging from 5% to 20% were observed.
Additionally, Kantar noted a 14% increase in total spending on the ultra-processed food basket compared to the previous year. This trend contrasts with a 9% increase in disbursement for other non-taxable categories.
The manager of advanced analytics at Kantar, John Studerus, explained that the impact of the tax is not limited only to the basket of ultra-processed products, but can also affect non-taxed categories. This is because families can choose to stop buying non-taxed products to maintain the consumption of those that are, considered essential in their purchases.
You can read: Challenges persist in reducing the housing deficit in Colombia
Companies such as Grupo Nutresa have reported on the direct impact of these taxes on their product portfolio. For example, President Carlos Ignacio Gallego revealed that 93% of the products in the ice cream category, 73% in the chocolate division, 41% in the sausages and meat derivatives division, and 31% in the category of cookies are affected by healthy taxes.
This tax imposition has led to a significant change in the purchasing patterns of Colombian consumers, who have chosen to stop purchasing taxed products or have sought cheaper alternatives to compensate for the increase in prices.
Taxes on ultra-processed foods are transforming the way Colombians choose their foods and drinks, with the aim of promoting healthier habits and combating public health problems associated with excessive consumption of added sugars, sodium and saturated fats.
You may be interested in: The IMF renewed The IMF renewed credit to Colombia for USD 8.1 billion