Obesity is a major issue for the Convenience Channel. Researchers in Australia and overseas have documented the close relationship between a Convenience Store and incidences of obesity.
Dr Brendan Nelson at the launch of Slimmm
Disturbingly, the UK and US research found that the presence of convenience stores was associated with a higher prevalence of obesity. (1) (2)
Darryl Jackson, Remedies General Manager, said that “We are now entering a period where Convenience Store retailers are being tasked with providing healthier options for consumers. It is one thing to sell high calorie chocolate, donuts and soft drink, but retailers are realising that a balanced approach is important.”
He suggested the following ways to help retailers tackle the issue of obesity:
- Healthy choices: fruit, vegetables, nut etc
- Smaller portion sizes: Offer smaller portion sizes that can save consumers hundreds of calories. Examples are small bags of pretzels, nuts, chips etc
- Weight management programs: inclusion of a comprehensive approved meal replacement program (Food Standards Australia) which has been proven in assisting consumers to lose weight. The program should offer a range of products including snacks, meal replacement bars, soups, shakes and UHTs.
In response to this growing problem, Remedies has launched Slimmm… the Convenience Weight Management Program.
Slimmm is an important fit for convenience sites because it:
- Is a new category that tackles an important problem in Australia – weight gain and obesity
- Targets a new segment, the weight conscious consumer, with incremental sales
- Is a great offering for the female shopper
- Has a proven sales track record in a fast growing category
- Encourages repeat purchases as consumers stick to the program
- Encourages the purchase of additional healthy snacks and water in-store
- Is supported by ongoing Slimmm NPD
Dr Brendan Nelson, Strategic Advisor to Remedies, presented to the State Directors at the Slimmm Training Meeting. For more information, contact Remedies on 1800 834 202.
References:
(1) “The prevalence of overweight and obesity was higher in areas where a convenience store was located and lower in areas that had a supermarket.”
Effects of Neighborhood Socioeconomic Status and Convenience Store Concentration On Smoking – 2004 UK
(2) “The presence of convenience stores was associated with a higher prevalence of obesity and overweight”
American Journal of Preventive Medicine 2005 USA