Woolworths aims to guide Aussies from fresh produce to healthy habits through this subtle detail
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As we stroll through the sliding doors of our local Woolworths, our senses are immediately greeted by the vibrant colours and fresh scents of the fruit and vegetable section.
It's a familiar scene for many; however, have you ever stopped to wonder why the fresh produce aisle is so strategically placed right at the entrance?
It turns out this is no mere coincidence; it is a carefully considered design choice by Woolworths.
Woolworths, one of Australia's leading supermarket chains, has been subtly guiding its customers towards making better food choices from the moment they step into the store.
The entryways of Woolworths supermarkets across the nation are deliberately positioned to lead shoppers directly into the realm of fresh produce, with the week's specials on fruits and vegetables conveniently placed just a few steps from the entrance.
This thoughtful layout is part of Woolworths' broader commitment to fostering health and wellness among its customers.
Stevie Wring, Woolworths General Manager of Health and Nutrition and a member of the HealthyLife advisory board, has confirmed that the supermarket giant is dedicated to making it easier for customers to access and choose healthier food options.
‘In July last year, we announced we would ensure healthier choices are made available on the front or back of food aisles, to make it easier for customers to discover healthier food choices when shopping in our stores,’ she said.
‘We believe in making it easy and convenient for everyone to access fresh, nutritious options right from the moment they walk into our stores. By showcasing a rainbow of fruits and vegetables so prominently, we aim to inspire healthier choices and encourage everyone to prioritise their well-being.’
Additionally, Woolworths made significant changes at the checkout, removing kids' confectionery and dedicating 80 per cent of the food space to healthier options with a Health Star Rating of 3.5 or above.
According to Ms Wring, these changes have been met with positive feedback from customers who appreciate the supermarket's efforts to support their health goals.
‘We want to make being healthier easier for all Australians and this builds on many changes we’ve made over the years to help our customers make healthier choices, like ensuring the first thing customers see is our fresh produce. Placing fruits and vegetables at the front of our store is a deliberate choice, rooted in our commitment to promoting health and wellness for our customers,’ she explained.
‘We believe in making it easy and convenient for everyone to access fresh, nutritious options right from the moment they walk into our stores. By showcasing a rainbow of fruits and vegetables so prominently, we aim to inspire healthier choices and encourage everyone to prioritise their well-being.’
‘We’re also focused on making healthier food more affordable. This includes ensuring healthier food options, with a Health Star Rating (HSR) of 3.5 and above, are part of our seasonal Prices Dropped programs, and Low Price program.’
‘We’ll continue to look at ways to create affordable healthier options across our range, together with our supplier partners,’ she added.
The significance of Woolworths' health-centric strategy is underscored by the release of the Woolworths Group's Healthylife Annual The Living Healthy Report for 2024.
This year's report, which focused on 'protecting the health of our future generations', presented research on the health of Australian children aged 5 to 14.
The report combines key statistics with unique Woolworths Group data and highlights several key findings.
One of the most striking revelations from the report is that, contrary to popular belief, eating healthy food can be less expensive than the average Australian shop.
In 2023, 58 per cent of Australians believed that eating healthy was costly, but the report indicates that it is actually 7 per cent cheaper to purchase healthy foods in line with expert recommendations.
‘We know there’s a perception that healthy food can be expensive, but according to new data this doesn’t have to be the case, in fact with some swaps you can save money on a healthy food shop,’ practising dietitian and Healthylife Chief Health Officer Simone Austin pointed out.
‘By replacing some discretionary foods, the ones with little nutritional value, with nourishing foods such as vegetables, legumes, and grains, you will be looking after your and your family’s health, and could save money in the process.’
‘Eating a healthy diet is important for everyone and vital in protecting the next generation’s health. Childhood years are food habit-forming years and by taking action now, we can profoundly impact the health and longevity of our future generations,’ she continued.
The report is divided into four sections: Eat Healthy, Move and Sleep Healthy, Feel Healthy, and Stay Healthy, each offering insights and recommendations for improving the health of Australian children and families.
Here are the key findings from the report:
Eat healthy
‘This data is concerning for the health of our children and families, as an unhealthy diet is a major contributor to the burden of disease. The trend needs to change, with healthier food available at home,’ she suggested.
Move and sleep healthy
‘Children are encouraged to live an active lifestyle with a balance of physical and sedentary activities to support their healthy development. Active outings like bushwalking or taking the dog to the park can be great ways to combine movement and fun,’ she advised.
Feel healthy
‘Due to social expectations and a lack of support and understanding, neurodivergent children may be particularly susceptible to mental health problems—especially in environments where differences are not understood and respected. This can be exhausting and contribute to increased anxiety,’ she warned.
Stay healthy
‘The variety of health conditions in our children is broad, including diabetes, asthma, autism, coeliac disease and anxiety. In the rich tapestry of our society, this is normal. For each and every child, addressing risk factors and with appropriate health access, the future is bright,’ he said.
Woolworths customers were also encouraged to use the Healthylife Food Tracker tool, a digital resource designed to promote healthy shopping habits.
This tool, along with the insights from the Living Healthy Report, can be accessed for free by all Australians, providing valuable guidance for those looking to make healthier choices for themselves and their families.
Speaking of retail experiences, it's fascinating how subtle details can impact our shopping habits and choices.
Take, for instance, the unique elements that greet us at the entrance of Woolworths stores, as highlighted in recent reports. These details, often overlooked, can subconsciously influence our shopping behaviours and preferences.
Meanwhile, a shocking study has revealed a concerning trend among Australians, showing a shift away from healthy choices in favour of special deals and discounts.
These raises important questions about consumer behaviour and the factors driving our purchasing decisions.
Have you noticed this subtle detail in your Woolworths stores? What are your thoughts on their report and its findings? We’d love to hear your experiences and insights in the comments below.
It's a familiar scene for many; however, have you ever stopped to wonder why the fresh produce aisle is so strategically placed right at the entrance?
It turns out this is no mere coincidence; it is a carefully considered design choice by Woolworths.
Woolworths, one of Australia's leading supermarket chains, has been subtly guiding its customers towards making better food choices from the moment they step into the store.
The entryways of Woolworths supermarkets across the nation are deliberately positioned to lead shoppers directly into the realm of fresh produce, with the week's specials on fruits and vegetables conveniently placed just a few steps from the entrance.
Woolworths confirmed it strategically places store entrances to guide shoppers directly to the fruit and vegetable section, promoting healthy food purchases. Credits: Shutterstock
This thoughtful layout is part of Woolworths' broader commitment to fostering health and wellness among its customers.
Stevie Wring, Woolworths General Manager of Health and Nutrition and a member of the HealthyLife advisory board, has confirmed that the supermarket giant is dedicated to making it easier for customers to access and choose healthier food options.
‘In July last year, we announced we would ensure healthier choices are made available on the front or back of food aisles, to make it easier for customers to discover healthier food choices when shopping in our stores,’ she said.
‘We believe in making it easy and convenient for everyone to access fresh, nutritious options right from the moment they walk into our stores. By showcasing a rainbow of fruits and vegetables so prominently, we aim to inspire healthier choices and encourage everyone to prioritise their well-being.’
Additionally, Woolworths made significant changes at the checkout, removing kids' confectionery and dedicating 80 per cent of the food space to healthier options with a Health Star Rating of 3.5 or above.
According to Ms Wring, these changes have been met with positive feedback from customers who appreciate the supermarket's efforts to support their health goals.
‘We want to make being healthier easier for all Australians and this builds on many changes we’ve made over the years to help our customers make healthier choices, like ensuring the first thing customers see is our fresh produce. Placing fruits and vegetables at the front of our store is a deliberate choice, rooted in our commitment to promoting health and wellness for our customers,’ she explained.
‘We believe in making it easy and convenient for everyone to access fresh, nutritious options right from the moment they walk into our stores. By showcasing a rainbow of fruits and vegetables so prominently, we aim to inspire healthier choices and encourage everyone to prioritise their well-being.’
‘We’re also focused on making healthier food more affordable. This includes ensuring healthier food options, with a Health Star Rating (HSR) of 3.5 and above, are part of our seasonal Prices Dropped programs, and Low Price program.’
‘We’ll continue to look at ways to create affordable healthier options across our range, together with our supplier partners,’ she added.
The significance of Woolworths' health-centric strategy is underscored by the release of the Woolworths Group's Healthylife Annual The Living Healthy Report for 2024.
This year's report, which focused on 'protecting the health of our future generations', presented research on the health of Australian children aged 5 to 14.
The report combines key statistics with unique Woolworths Group data and highlights several key findings.
One of the most striking revelations from the report is that, contrary to popular belief, eating healthy food can be less expensive than the average Australian shop.
In 2023, 58 per cent of Australians believed that eating healthy was costly, but the report indicates that it is actually 7 per cent cheaper to purchase healthy foods in line with expert recommendations.
‘We know there’s a perception that healthy food can be expensive, but according to new data this doesn’t have to be the case, in fact with some swaps you can save money on a healthy food shop,’ practising dietitian and Healthylife Chief Health Officer Simone Austin pointed out.
‘By replacing some discretionary foods, the ones with little nutritional value, with nourishing foods such as vegetables, legumes, and grains, you will be looking after your and your family’s health, and could save money in the process.’
‘Eating a healthy diet is important for everyone and vital in protecting the next generation’s health. Childhood years are food habit-forming years and by taking action now, we can profoundly impact the health and longevity of our future generations,’ she continued.
The report is divided into four sections: Eat Healthy, Move and Sleep Healthy, Feel Healthy, and Stay Healthy, each offering insights and recommendations for improving the health of Australian children and families.
Here are the key findings from the report:
Eat healthy
- Only 1 in 10 children aged 2 to 14 met the recommendation for vegetable serves
- 27 per cent of children aged 5 to 14 have higher than expected body weight
- 41 per cent of children aged 2 to 17 drink sugar-sweetened drinks at least once weekly
- 7 per cent of children aged 2 to 17 drink sugar-sweetened drinks daily, the average being one 600ml bottle
- Just 3 per cent of the purchased meat and alternatives food group serves are from legumes
‘This data is concerning for the health of our children and families, as an unhealthy diet is a major contributor to the burden of disease. The trend needs to change, with healthier food available at home,’ she suggested.
Move and sleep healthy
- Only one in four children met the Australian physical activity guidelines of at least 60 minutes per day
- 25 per cent of children aged 12 to 13 are meeting minimum sleep guidelines on school nights
- 26 per cent of children met the physical and sedentary guidelines of 60 minutes a day
- 32 per cent of children exceeded the recommended screen-based activity guidelines
- The number one concern for parents is excessive screen time
‘Children are encouraged to live an active lifestyle with a balance of physical and sedentary activities to support their healthy development. Active outings like bushwalking or taking the dog to the park can be great ways to combine movement and fun,’ she advised.
Feel healthy
- 50 per cent of adult mental health conditions emerge before the age of 14
- 66 per cent of children aged 8 to 12 tended to worry mostly about issues affecting their families.
- Seven out of 10 of the most common presentations to paediatricians are for mental health
- 25 to 50 per cent of adult mental illnesses can be prevented by early intervention during childhood and adolescence
‘Due to social expectations and a lack of support and understanding, neurodivergent children may be particularly susceptible to mental health problems—especially in environments where differences are not understood and respected. This can be exhausting and contribute to increased anxiety,’ she warned.
Stay healthy
- The number one cause of disease burden in 2022 for children aged 5-14 was asthma
- 8 per cent of children aged 5 to 14 suffer from asthma, which is the leading cause of total disease burden among children
- Two in five children ages 0 to 14 had one or more chronic conditions
- 11 per cent of children ages 0 to 14 have hay fever; it’s their most commonly suffered condition
- 50 per cent of parents feel significant pressure to be able to afford their children’s healthcare needs
- 24 per cent of children aged 6–14 had experienced dental caries (cavities) in their permanent teeth
- 50 per cent of parents feel significant pressure to be able to afford their children’s healthcare needs
‘The variety of health conditions in our children is broad, including diabetes, asthma, autism, coeliac disease and anxiety. In the rich tapestry of our society, this is normal. For each and every child, addressing risk factors and with appropriate health access, the future is bright,’ he said.
Woolworths customers were also encouraged to use the Healthylife Food Tracker tool, a digital resource designed to promote healthy shopping habits.
This tool, along with the insights from the Living Healthy Report, can be accessed for free by all Australians, providing valuable guidance for those looking to make healthier choices for themselves and their families.
Speaking of retail experiences, it's fascinating how subtle details can impact our shopping habits and choices.
Take, for instance, the unique elements that greet us at the entrance of Woolworths stores, as highlighted in recent reports. These details, often overlooked, can subconsciously influence our shopping behaviours and preferences.
Meanwhile, a shocking study has revealed a concerning trend among Australians, showing a shift away from healthy choices in favour of special deals and discounts.
These raises important questions about consumer behaviour and the factors driving our purchasing decisions.
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