Summary
Background: Previous product placement trials have been underpowered and limited in outcomes. This study assessed effects of positioning an expanded fruit and vegetable section near entrances on store-level sales, household-level purchasing and waste, and dietary behaviours. Conclusions: Despite substantial declines in population fruit and vegetable purchasing and intake over the study period, positioning an expanded fruit and vegetable section near store entrances increased fresh fruit and vegetable sales at the population level by approximately 2,525 extra portions per store, per week. Government regulations expanding placement requirements to all large food stores could provide protective benefits for those most at risk of low fruit and vegetable intake.
Outcomes reported
Moving and expanding fresh fruit and vegetables near discount supermarket entrances improved store-level fruit and vegetable sales, equivalent to about 2,525 additional portions per store per week at implementation; effects on household purchasing and diet were directionally positive but less robust. The study supports placement rules that promote healthy foods as well as restrict HFSS placement. Topics: methods / modelling / statistics; supermarket placement / food retail environment Evidence type: Main study / source report Source report: PLOS supermarket placement trial Ref#: PLOS supermarket placement trial #MAIN Original: Christina Vogel; Sarah Crozier; Preeti Dhuria; Joanne Lord; Graham Moon; Wendy Lawrence; Janet Cade; Kylie Ball; Cyrus Cooper; Janis Baird. Impact of supermarket fruit and vegetable placement on store sales, customer purchasing, diet and household waste: A prospective matched-controlled cluster trial. PLOS Medicine (2026). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.1004575
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