Gourmet vouchers: how their use has evolved in companies

For years, the gourmet cheque - also known as the restaurant cheque - was one of the most common ways for companies to offer their employees a meal allowance. However, with the digital evolution and new consumer habits, This format has given way to much more agile and contemporary solutions. 

Since the launch of the digital Ticket Restaurant in Spain in 2017, its adoption has not stopped growing, to the point that Today more than 90 % of users prefer to use this service in its digital version, directly from the mobile phone. This transformation has left traditional physical media such as printed luncheon vouchers or plastic cards in the background. 

Today, the Digital Ticket Restaurant easily integrates with Google Wallet or Apple Wallet, This makes it a much more convenient, faster and more in line with the new ways of working and living. The advantages remain the same, but with a much more modern and efficient experience for both companies and employees. 

How does the gourmet cheque work in digital format?

The gourmet cheque, offered through the service Edenred Restaurant Ticket, is a convenient and flexible solution for easy access to meals during the working day. Companies can offer it under different modalities, by adapting it to your compensation and benefits policies. Below, we explain how it works depending on the model chosen:  
 

As flexible remuneration
 

• At the beginning of each month, the company charges to Ticket Restaurant on amount agreed with the employee, as part of its flexible remuneration. 

• The worker chooses to allocate part of his gross salary to this benefit, obtaining tax advantages through products exempt from personal income tax. 

• It can be used directly in restaurants and food establishments, by presenting the physical or digital media when paying. 

• The system automatically deducts the amount consumed until the balance is exhausted. 

• If the expense exceeds the balance, the employee can complete payment by credit card or cash. 
   

As a social benefit

• The company assumes the cost of the gourmet cheque as a additional employee benefit, without affecting the salary. 

• Each month, the card is topped up to the value determined by the company. 

• Enables employees to access to quality food during the working day, promoting well-being and work-life balance. 

• It is easily used in restaurants, with real-time balance and transaction monitoring from the Edenred app or online platform. 
   

In a mixed model

• The cost of the gourmet cheque is shared between the company and the employee, combining flexible remuneration and social benefits. 

• Part of the amount is deducted from the employee's gross salary, while another part is deducted from the employee's gross salary. covered directly by the company. 

• It offers a balance between tax savings and business commitment to team wellbeing. 

• The operation of the bracket is the same, with balance enquiry, restaurant finder and management from the app. 

From the printed gourmet cheque to the digital medium: why has it  
changed the trend?

For years, the restaurant cheque - also known as the gourmet cheque - was one of the social benefits most valued by employees. However, its printed version had certain drawbacks: 
 
1. Loss or deterioration of the physical medium 
2. Increased management complexity for the company 
3. Real-time limitations on checking balances or making payments 

The move to digital has removed all these barriers., The new system, allowing employees to enjoy their meal allowance directly from their smartphone.

All the advantages of implementing the digital gourmet cheque in your company

Advantages for the company
 

1. Savings on social security contributionsMeals are exempt from contributions up to €11 per day per employee. 

2. Optimising flexible remunerationImprove the benefits package without increasing the direct wage cost. 

3. Simplified managementIntegration with HR and accounting systems to produce detailed usage and budget reports. 

4. Loyalty of talent: Turning food into a tangible benefit reinforces employee satisfaction and retention. 

5. Digitisation of processesTicket Restaurant's digital format reduces the administrative burden and eliminates the logistics of delivering physical cards or cheques, optimising time and resources. 
    

Employee benefits
 

1. Economic savingsReduction of average daily food expenditure. 

2. Extensive network of establishmentsAccess to traditional restaurants, fast food chains, tapas bars and home delivery services. 

3. Convenience of useEliminates reimbursement procedures and the need to carry cash. By integrating into the mobile phone via Google Wallet or Apple Wallet, the employee always has their Restaurant Ticket accessible, without the need for physical cards. 

4. Control and transparency: Consultation of the balance and movements in real time through the platform. Edenred Flex and mobile app. 

5. Payment flexibility: Possibility to combine the balance of the gourmet cheque with other payment methods if the available credit is exceeded. 

Where to use the Edenred digital gourmet cheque?

Edenred's affiliate network exceeds thousands of restaurants and cafés throughout the country. In order to find out which shops are members, we provide a online restaurant finder with filter by location.  

By simply entering the city or postcode, the user is presented with an interactive map and an up-to-date list of establishments where they can use their gourmet cheque. 

What if you still use the physical card?

If your company still uses the traditional physical card format, you can request to switch to the digital version at any time. The transition is quick and free of charge.