Despite the 0% VAT, the Poles do not eat more fruits and vegetables

The lower price does not affect consumption (Photo: Pexels)

The Netherlands, Germany and Belgium are also considering the abolition of the VAT on vegetables and fruits and the introduction of a 0% rate. This idea was also raised in Italy by the outgoing Draghi government, but was ultimately rejected. However, the development of the consumption data of the Polish Statistical Office (GUS) does not support that 0% VAT or the price level of vegetables and fruits would be a clear path to higher per capita consumption.

Paradoxically, the pandemic also had a positive effect

Unfortunately, the consumption of vegetables and fruits in Poland continuously decreased until 2019, until the outbreak of the coronavirus epidemic, but the pandemic interrupted this trend. So much so that during the first waves of the epidemic, consumption reached a new record, and it was during this period that the price of apples, for example, was at its peak. Therefore, Polish analysts believe that the intended effect of the Dutch and Belgian VAT cuts, i.e. increasing consumption, will not necessarily be realized. The main reason for the record consumption experienced in Poland was not the low price of vegetables and fruits, but the increased demand for individual products and product ranges. During the epidemic, people wanted to make their bodies and immune systems more resistant to infection.

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