According to a study on profits carried out by restaurateurs, distributors and local businesses, the CNTR revealed the importance of restaurant vouchers and their impact for employees. Each year, these payment vouchers benefit 5.4 million employees, allowing them to finance their meals, but also their food shopping since 2022.
In a context of crisis, the government allowed the use of meal vouchers for the purchase of unprepared food products, such as rice, pasta, eggs and other essential foodstuffs. While this exemption was due to end on December 31, the Assembly voted on November 20 for a two-year extension. A measure to which the CNTR has just opposed through its recent investigation. In detail, this study, relayed by France Info, reveals that an amount of 14 billion euros has “ directly benefited economic actors” over the last year.
In detail, 8.6 billion euros benefited restaurateurs, whom the survey designates as being the main beneficiaries. In second position, we find large and medium-sized stores, which made a profit of 2.9 billion euros. This same amount was raised by local businesses, such as caterers and bakeries. In view of these significant figures, the CNTR recommends a reform of restaurant vouchers.
At CNTR « against any perpetuation » restaurant vouchers
Through its investigation report, the CNTR demonstrated the importance of meal vouchers which benefit both employees and economic players. In 2024, “ nearly 100,000 direct jobs are supported by meal vouchers, including 76,000 in the catering sector and less than 7,500 in food distribution », We can read in the study. She also emphasizes that the removal of this system will have serious repercussions. “ The study estimates that 40,000 jobs could disappear, seriously affecting the catering sector, but also independent food businesses and their ecosystems,” explains the CNTR.
Therefore, the commission encourages “ progressive revaluation of meal ticket amounts to better reflect the real cost of balanced meals.” She also calls for a “ clear distinction between the employee’s catering during his working day and the purchase of immediately consumable food preparations and the purchase of non-immediately consumable food products. However, she is opposed to the two-year extension voted in the National Assembly and says she is in favor of maintaining the exemption for an additional 6 months, or even a year, the time to put in place a real reform.
