A Public Health Research study tested the impact of moving fresh produce to the front of discount supermarkets in England.
A Study in Public Health Research evaluated the impact of placing an expanded fresh fruit and vegetable section near the entrance of discount supermarkets in England. The intervention aimed to improve diet quality, store sales, and household purchasing.
Key Details
- The study involved 36 discount supermarket stores and 580 female shoppers with loyalty cards.
- Intervention stores installed a fresh produce section near the entrance for six months; control stores maintained standard layout with produce at the back.
- Data included household purchasing, store sales, dietary surveys, and household food waste patterns.
Findings
- The proportion of shoppers buying fruits and vegetables declined over time in both groups, but less so in intervention stores.
- Fruit and vegetable sales increased in intervention stores, especially early in the intervention, though effects diminished.
- Women's dietary quality showed a small positive effect at six months, but not consistently at earlier points.
- Household fruit and vegetable waste increased at six months in intervention stores, particularly vegetable waste.
- Net intervention effect on household purchasing was positive, with no increase in shopping time or expenditure.
"The proportion of shoppers buying fruits and vegetables declined in both groups, but the decline was less steep in stores with the new layout."
Context
The study occurred during Brexit, COVID-19, and cost-of-living pressures, and was not randomized. Authors suggest findings support refining UK food placement regulations to require fresh produce near entrances.