A new survey supports the case for a sugar‑tax, according to a study cited by the “Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland” newspapers. The Forsa poll, conducted on behalf of consumer‑protection NGO Foodwatch, found that 60 % of respondents would favour a tiered levy on heavily sweetened drinks-higher sugar content would trigger a higher tax. Thirty‑eight percent opposed such a measure.
Women were more supportive (66 %) than men (55 %). Those earning a net income of €2,500 or less were somewhat more critical than higher‑earning respondents. Households with children showed slightly greater backing for the tax.
When asked whether the government should take action to lower the sugar content of beverages, 73 % answered yes. Of these, 51 % agreed “completely” and 22 % “rather agree”, citing examples such as cola, lemonade and iced tea.
Foodwatch has long advocated for a sugar‑tax. Schleswig-Holstein’s Minister-President Daniel Günther (CDU) backs the idea, and a related proposal is expected to be debated at the CDU federal convention in Stuttgart later this week. Foodwatch’s Luise Molling urged the party to support the initiative, stating, “The CDU must stand behind Günther’s proposal to protect our children and our health system. The soft‑drink tax works-Germany must finally adopt effective measures for healthy nutrition”.
The survey interviewed 1,003 adults aged 18 and over. Computer‑assisted telephone interviews were carried out from 3 to 5 February.