Convenience Stores Improve Health Perception Among American Consumers

• Categories: Trends and Statistics; Market Trends; Industry Stats; Consumer Stats
 
• Source: Specialty Food News
• Tags: Healthy Foods; new-products; retailer

Convenience stores are improving their unhealthy reputation as consumers are changing their perception of the channel and increasingly turning to these stores for healthy snacks.

According to a survey by the National Association of Convenience Stores, 34 percent of Americans reported upping their purchasing of snacks that are considered healthy choices over the past year, and they are turning to convenience stores more frequently for these types of purchases.

Further, more than six in 10 consumers believe convenience stores are offering healthier, nutritious products and serving sizes. This marks the third consecutive year that a majority of Americans said that convenience stores are providing more better-for-you items.

The association's supporting data revealed that nearly six in 10 consumers and seven in 10 of those aged 18 to 34 say that convenience stores offer food they feel comfortable eating.

In 2014, foodservice sales at convenience stores increased 9.7 percent. Citing Nielsen data, the association reported the perception that convenience stores offer nutritious items increased 14 percent, to 44 percent, from 2013 to 2014.

Convenience store sales of fresh fruits and vegetables, including whole commodities as well as fresh-cut, value-added produce, increased 10.3 percent to $362 million in 2014.