Whale Owners Applaud Conservative Party Cross Border Trade Proposal – E24

– It is very good that one has finally started to think about the idea that cross-border trade can really be stopped, says Rune Forsberg, owner and general manager of Hval Sjokolade, that the Conservative Party program committee is in favor of reducing the taxes on food “exposed to border trade.”

Forsberg is one of those who have fought for excise duties to be lowered, especially on baking.

– Now he is beginning to assimilate, and that because they see the clear effect under the crown, says the owner of the chocolate factory.

Until recently, it has been the FRP and the Center Party that have expressed the most about the reduction of excise duties on sugar products. Program committee leader Linda Helleland says the crisis in the crown has caused her and the Conservative Party’s program committee to see the problem with new eyes.

You can make temporary positions permanent

Another of those who have fought to reduce excise duties is Oskar Sylte, owner of the soda factory that is best known for its distinctive pineapple and pear soda.

– It is very positive that politicians are waking up. Now it’s not just statistics and theory anymore, now you see what happens when the borders are closed and how much sales increase.

Back in Sandefjord, Hval believes that tax cuts on excise duties are beneficial for everyone from a socio-economic point of view.

– Our calculations show that the state has earned more through VAT and employer contributions than it does through excise taxes, says Forsberg.

He has had to hire six new people to take the pressure off as a result of a strangled border trade.

– So, does it mean that if this fee is lowered, then the temporary positions will become permanent with you?

– Absolutely!

A report commissioned by Virke estimates that 8,200 jobs could be added in Norway in the food and beverage industry alone.

Billing jump

Now Forsberg, like the rest of the country’s food producers, is enjoying the fact that cross-border trade has been suspended.

– Turnover has increased 30 percent since Easter, says Forsberg satisfied.

In Ålesund, Sylte’s soft drink factory has been running a deficit two years in a row, which it believes will end this year.

– We have increased production a lot. April was a disaster, but then it has been very good during the summer, so we are now ahead of last year, says Sylte, who does not answer exactly how much sales have increased.

The argument against lower taxes on alcohol and sugar is, among other things, health benefits, but Sylte sees things her way.

– Everything in moderation, I say. You can also die from drinking too much water.

Has given up politics

Conservatives have faced criticism for the increase in excise duties related to sugary products such as soft drinks and chocolate.

Forsberg has been a conservative politician in the Sandefjord city council, but has ended his politics.

– I have left. People speak in various languages, which makes one very resigned. At the same time, I still see my role as responding to the problem in the media and explaining to people how things really work.

Sylte is also not tempted to get involved in politics even though it may play a role in one of his heart problems.

– No, for me politics is a necessary evil, so it is not relevant.