The proposed measures, resulting from the consultations, will contribute to modernize a system that is widely recognized as the French people’s favorite social benefit. In particular, the proposal to fully digitalize the sector, at the latest on January 1, 2027, will significantly simplify the management of meal vouchers, especially for restaurant owners.
As is stands, this reform reflects the common desire of all stakeholders to continue developing the meal voucher system.
It is an essential social policy tool that addresses the dual challenges of public health, by promoting healthy eating at work, and equity between employees who have access to company catering and those who do not.
Its modernization should help strengthen support for the local economy and job creation, particularly in the restaurant industry, while taking into account changing consumption patterns.
Edenred France also points out that only 27% of French employees currently benefit from meal vouchers.
Now that the legislative process can begin, Edenred France firmly believes that the modernization of the system introduced by the text that will be voted on will enable more employees to benefit from it.
Ilan Ouanounou, General Manager of Edenred France, says: “The proposals for reforming meal vouchers presented by the Minister include measures that the sector has been waiting for, such as the full digitization of the scheme. We are convinced that this text will help reinforce the many positive effects of meal vouchers: support for high-quality food for employees, additional revenue for restaurants, and a tool for companies to build employee loyalty. “
The meal voucher scheme in figures
The meal voucher is the French people’s favorite social advantage, benefiting 5.4 million employees, 146,000 companies and local authorities, and 235,000 partner merchants in France (source: Commission Nationale des Titres-Restaurant – CNTR).
It represents a direct contribution of €9.4 billion per year spent in the local economy and around €14 billion when taking into account the additional spending it generates for partner restaurants and merchants (source: C-Ways study for the CTNR, 2024).
The meal voucher scheme supports employment and growth throughout the country, creating more than 99,000 jobs, three-quarters of which are in the restaurant sector (76,000), or one job for every 54 beneficiaries (source: C-Ways study for the CTNR, 2024).
The meal voucher scheme has a positive impact on public finances, generating around €845 million per year for the State (source: C-Ways study for the CTNR, 2024).
It addresses a real public health issue, as 81% of meal voucher beneficiaries believe that it enables them to eat properly during their lunch break (source: Viavoice study for the CNTR, 2024). For an employee on the minimum wage, meal vouchers represent a 7% increase in purchasing power each month (source: C-Ways study for the CTNR, 2024).
Dining and Cooking