France Votes to Keep Using Tickets-Restaurant in Supermarkets
French lawmakers have voted to permanently allow the use of tickets-restaurant for grocery purchases in supermarkets, ending years of temporary extensions.
Quick facts
- Six million employees currently use tickets-restaurant in France.
- Supermarket spending with these tickets rose from 22% to 31% between 2022 and 2024.
- The new law mandates full integration into supermarket shopping starting in 2028.
Why it matters
The decision reflects a shift in how French employees utilize traditional employment benefits to manage rising food costs. While the restaurant sector fears a loss of revenue, the legislative move signals a clear prioritization of consumer flexibility in the current economic environment.
French members of parliament voted on Monday to permanently authorize the use of tickets-restaurant for grocery purchases in supermarkets. As of October 13, 2026, this decision aims to solidify a measure that previously relied on temporary, recurring extensions since 2022.
What the new law changes
The legislation ensures that employees can continue using their meal vouchers to purchase a wide range of food products, including items like pasta and flour. While the measure was previously extended on a temporary basis, the new vote establishes a long-term framework. The current derogation remains in place until December 31, with a transition period leading to full implementation in 2028.
Why this is trending in France
This topic is trending because it directly impacts the daily purchasing power of approximately six million French employees who receive these vouchers from their employers. The debate has been closely watched as it balances the convenience for workers against the financial concerns of the restaurant industry.
The impact on restaurateurs
The restaurant industry has expressed significant opposition to the integration of meal vouchers in supermarkets. The Union des métiers et des industries de l’hôtellerie (Umih) has voiced concerns that the vouchers are shifting from their original purpose of paying for lunches to becoming a general grocery payment method, which they refer to as a titre-caddie.
| Period | Supermarket Spending Share |
|---|---|
| End of 2022 | 22% |
| Mid-2024 | 31% |
What is confirmed and what is not
It is confirmed that the vote took place on Monday and that the measure is set to become permanent by 2028. Details regarding specific product exclusions or potential adjustments to the value of the vouchers after 2028 were not available at the time of writing.
Frequently asked questions
What are tickets-restaurant in France?
Tickets-restaurant are meal vouchers provided by employers to help employees pay for their lunch during the workday. They are partially funded by the employer and have traditionally been used at restaurants, though rules have recently expanded to include supermarket food purchases.
Can I use my tickets-restaurant in supermarkets now?
Yes. Following the recent parliamentary vote, the use of these vouchers for grocery purchases in supermarkets is being maintained and will become a permanent rule by 2028, following a transition period.
Why are restaurant owners concerned?
The Umih, a major trade union for the hospitality sector, fears that the vouchers are increasingly being used for general grocery shopping rather than restaurant meals, potentially reducing the revenue that restaurants rely on from these vouchers.
How many people use these tickets?
Approximately six million employees in France currently benefit from the tickets-restaurant system, according to reports discussed during the parliamentary session.
What is the 'titre-caddie' concern?
The term 'titre-caddie' refers to the concern expressed by restaurant industry representatives that the vouchers are effectively turning into a general shopping budget for supermarkets, rather than remaining dedicated to lunch expenses.
When does the new law take full effect?
While the current rules are being extended, the new legislation establishes the permanent integration of these vouchers into supermarket shopping starting in 2028.
In this story
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Trend snapshot
- Topic
- Business
- Trending in
- France
- Search interest
- 1000+ recent searches
- Status
- Verified: 3 independent outlets
- Last updated
- Oct 13, 2026 at 12:32 PM
Last checked Oct 13, 2026 at 12:32 PM. Trends move fast, so details may change. How we work · How we verify
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