Woolworths is removing children’s confectionary from checkouts in a bid to help customers make healthier choices.
The supermarket giant has announced products aimed at children, such as Chupa Chups, Kinder Surprise and Caramello Koalas, will no longer be available beside tills.
Instead, the supermarket is increasing its offering of healthier food choices with a Health Star Rating (HSR) of 3.5 and above, stating 80 per cent of shelf space will be dedicated to these items.
There will still be a selection of confectionery at the checkouts for adults.
“These are small but important steps in the right direction as we work to make healthier choices easier for our customers,” Natalie Davis, managing director at Woolworths, said.
“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, can help make a positive impact on their shopping habits.”
Ms Davis said items located on the grab-and-go style shelves beside checkouts would also never exceed $3.
“We know value and affordability are important to our 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,” she explained.
“This includes a focus on lower pricing for healthier products through initiatives like our seasonal Prices Dropped program.”
Displays at the ends of aisles will also look different, however Woolies said “sometimes foods” such as chips that are on special would still be promoted.
The new move follows on from changes introduced by Woolworths last year, where it increased the range of healthier options at checkouts with the introduction of wholegrain crackers and bars.
Customers can expect to see the removal of all children’s confectionery from checkouts nationally over coming weeks while the integration of healthier options on ends of food aisles will be rolled out from the end of July.
Woolworths will continue to test and look to expand healthier options on aisle ends over the course of the year, based on customers’ response.
It comes after the Australian retailer announced a new feature to curb food waste: “Eat Now” stickers on avocados.
Woolies said the “revolutionary concept” would be rolling out in selected stores in Queensland, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania and was aimed at helping shoppers identify when the popular fruit is perfect for eating, while also reducing food waste.
“We understand the disappointment of cutting into an unripe avocado, a tale known too well with avocado lovers,” a Woolworths spokesperson told news.com.au.
“Customers will now be able to buy their avos with confidence with the introduction of ‘Eat Now’ stickers.
“The stickers indicate the perfect ripeness today, while ‘Eat Later’ signage has been introduced in-store letting customers know it will take 2-4 days until they’re ready to be eaten.”
There are currently no plans to roll out the stickers in NSW, WA or the NT.