Lunch and Virike vouchers will be discontinued in 2026

This year brings changes, as the operation of paper Lunch and VIrike vouchers will end on December 31, 2026. Yes, you read that correctly! Edenred has taken the next step in its transition towards a completely digital service portfolio. With this change, payments will be made via secure and popular methods like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Edenred Pay – not to forget the physical Edenred card.

From Paper to Digital Benefits

Although our product range has long been supported by digital payment solutions, paper vouchers are still familiar to many. Edenred’s legendary Lunch and Virike vouchers have supported the wellbeing of Finnish employees for over 50 years!

Due to the digitalization of the market, the reduced use of vouchers, and their environmental impact, production has been decided to be terminated. Thus, the change reflects a broader digitalization of the workplace and an increasing emphasis on ecological solutions. The last Lunch and Virike vouchers will be sold on May 31, 2026, and they will serve as payment methods for lunch and sports and cultural services until the end of the year on December 31, 2026. After this date, they will no longer be accepted.

This marks the end of a significant era, but we are excited about the future. This way, we can focus our operations on digital payment solutions and services!

"We are proud to have been part of Finnish workplace well-being for half a century. The transition of our services to a stronger digital format is a natural step towards a more sustainable and efficient future – for both employers and employees.

Practically, this means that with digital Lunch and Leisure vouchers, payments can be made conveniently with our various mobile payment methods, without the worry of losing or forgetting paper vouchers at home. The change brings ease, accuracy, and environmental friendliness to our customers."

Petteri Poutiainen, CEO of Edenred Finland

The Importance of Lunch Vouchers in Finland

While paper vouchers are being phased out, Edenred's work continues to support the endurance and wellbeing of employees even more strongly. It is no secret that the lunch benefit is an essential part of Finnish work culture: 65% of Finns eat lunch at a restaurant on working days, and research shows that users of lunch benefits eat healthier than those who prepare lunch at home. According to Edenred's Food Barometer 2025, 88% of Finns find virtual payment for lunch easy and 61% consider it safer than traditional payment methods.

It is clear that the lunch benefit has been a significant part of employees' lives in Finland for over 50 years. What this change brings to employees is faster, safer, and more convenient payment solutions. No more rummaging through crumpled vouchers at the bottom of your wallet (not to mention when you forget your wallet at home).

For employers, paper vouchers have required separate distribution to staff and waiting for orders to be shipped. Digital benefits make both managing and distributing benefits to employees effortless and quick. Everything happens through our online portal, where employee information and order history are stored.

Switch to Digital Benefits

A complete range of benefits, easier management and payment, freedom of choice, a broader network of locations, payment also for selected online services and remotely... all of these are available to our clients.

Are you ready to switch your paper vouchers to digital employee benefits? You can easily do so by filling out the contact form linked below! Our sales team will get in touch with you promptly to find the best way for you to utilize your employee benefits – of course, digitally.