France’s food industry association ANIA criticised the government’s proposed 2027 budget measure to extend the sugar levy on sweetened drinks to ultra-processed foods, which was expected to raise EUR 300 million. The association warned that the levy would increase pressure on manufacturers as the proposal headed to parliament.
The French food industry association, Association Nationale des Industries Alimentaires (ANIA) has condemned a proposal in the government’s 2027 budget to extend the sugar levy on sweetened drinks to ultra-processed foods, saying the plan is “a sham”.
The measure aims to raise EUR 300 million.
ANIA chairman Jean-Francois Loiseau made the remarks on the sidelines of a conference on Thursday (1 October 2026). He said more food factories have closed than opened in France this year for the first time, and warned that the levy would add to the strain on manufacturers. He added that producers have already reduced fat and sugar content, but going further with some recipes would be difficult without affecting quality.
The minority government’s budget will now go before parliament, which is likely to amend the legislation substantially. The final shape of the sugar levy extension therefore remains uncertain.
