The Great Philadelphia Sugar Rush
Philadelphia Shoppers are Leaving Town to Avoid the New Sugar Tax.
On January 1st, 2017, a new tax was introduced on sugar-sweetened and artificially-sweetened beverages (1.5¢ / ounce).
As a result, sales of sweetened beverages have plummeted 27% inside the Philadelphia city limits.
Sales Inside City Limits Carbonated soft drinks: -55%; Sweetened coffee and tea: -51%; Sports drinks: -47%; Energy drinks: -12%; Sweetened juices: -47%
Sales Outside City Limits Carbonated soft drinks: +38%; Sweetened coffee and tea: +19%; Sports drinks: +13%; Energy drinks: +15%; Sweetened juices: 0%
Just outside the city limits, the shoppers buying carbonated soft drinks is up 12%, and the volume of carbonated soft drink purchases per trip are up 17% versus the same period a year earlier.