Woolworths is removing kids confectionery from checkouts across all its supermarkets.
The move follows on from changes to checkouts introduced last year by the retailer, where it increased the range of healthier options., including wholegrain crackers and bars. Now, Woolworths claims that at least 80% of snacks at checkouts have a HSR of 3.5 stars or more.
Along with this initiative, more healthier food choices with a health star rating (HSR) of 3.5 or above will be rolled out on the front and back of food aisles.
“While the aisle ends will still feature ‘sometimes foods’ and treats such as chips that are on special, the changes mean that customers will also see a similar snacking option with a 3.5 HSR or above on display on a shelf on each promotional end, so that they can make healthier choices,” says the retailer.
Woolworths research shows that almost a third of customers “mostly” or “always” use HSR to choose between different food products. By offering options that display HSRs, Woolworths aims to make healthier choices easier.
“These are small but important steps in the right direction as we work to make healthier choices easier for our customers,” says Woolworths Supermarkets Managing Director Natalie Davis.
“There’s no replacement for wholesome food like fruit and veg, but removing kids’ confectionery from checkouts and helping customers make small swaps on food they pick up at the end of an aisle or at the checkout, can help make a positive impact on their shopping habits.”
Value and affordability
Ms Davis says that Woolworths also knows that value and affordability are important to its customers, “so we’ve been very deliberate in selecting options that are healthier and great value to take the stress out of picking up a quick snack or special on the go”.
“This includes a focus on lower pricing for healthier products through initiatives like our seasonal Prices Dropped program,” she says.
“In our latest Prices Dropped for Autumn program, more than half of our sales came from healthier products (3.5 HSR and above).
“We’re also seeing lower prices on some vegetables right now, and are encouraging all our customers to take advantage and enjoy some more fresh Australian veg this winter.”
The roll out
Over the coming weeks, Woolworths will begin to remove kids confectionery from checkouts.
The integration of healthier options on the front and back of food aisles across Woolworths Supermarkets will start to be rolled out from the end of July.
“We want to make healthier easier for all Australians and this builds on many changes we’ve made over the years to help our customers make healthier choices,” says Ms Davis.
“We’ll continue to look at ways to create affordable healthier options across our range, together with our supplier partners.”