‘Changing store layouts more effective than hiking price of HFSS products’

Removing products high in fat, sugar or salt (HFSS) from prime locations in-store may have a far greater impact on the nation’s health than raising prices, recent research conducted by GS1 UK has found.

GS1 UK surveyed more than 2,000 consumers to examine what would lead to people making healthier choices. Almost two-thirds of those surveyed (61 percent) said that making HFSS products less visible in-store would have a direct influence on their decision to buy, as compared to just 26 percent would be dissuaded from purchasing unhealthy products if only available at full price.

41 percent of consumers said they would be more likely to eat a product that had been reformulated to reduce its fat, sugar or salt content, revealing a willingness to swap familiar products for healthier alternatives.

While 68 percent agreed with the need for legislation to combat obesity, 53 percent said they would miss deals on HFSS products, highlighting the consumer conundrum of balancing health against the growing cost of living.

GS1 UK noted that transforming store layouts and providing healthier alternatives is likely to do more to promote better choices amongst consumers than introducing legislation that hits their wallets.

“Our research not only proves that consumers want to make healthier choices, it also shows that the retail industry has the power to support them in making them,” said Sarah Atkins, CMO and membership director at GS1 UK.

“Despite continued uncertainty surrounding HFSS, we have seen unprecedented levels of collaboration since the legislation was first announced. By coming together, industry has made incredible progress in creating, capturing, and sharing accurate product data that will enable businesses to respond to changing legislative and consumer demands, both now and in the future.”