CVS Pharmacy stakes greater claim against 'wellness' with 2,900-store healthy food commitment

WOONSOCKET, R.I. - CVS Pharmacy on Tuesday unveiled plans to improve its convenient food offerings with healthier foods and beverages across more than 2,900 locations, up from an inititial 500 pilot stores announced last year. Throughout the year, 100 stores each week are being enhanced with a carefully curated selection of national and niche better-for-you brands that make healthier eating on-the-go, convenient and affordable.

"Since becoming the first and only national pharmacy chain to end the sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products, the No. 1 thing we've heard from our customers is the desire for healthier food options," stated  Judy Sansone, SVP front store business. "This year, we are continuing to expand the assortment, volume and shelf space dedicated to better-for-you foods and snacks offered in our stores nationwide to make healthier snacking easier and more convenient for our customers."

In addition to the 2,900 stores which will stock a wide assortment of healthy foods by year end, another 360 stores will receive significant additional enhancements to the layout of food, beauty and over the counter health products. The new store layouts have a broader assortment of better-for-you foods in an expanded refrigerated section and more prominent displays of healthy foods and grab-and-go snacks, making healthy snacking more convenient.

This spring, more than 250 fresh, refrigerated and non-perishable healthy foods and beverages have hit shelves at CVS Pharmacy stores around the country from brands including: Amy's Kitchen, Annie's Homegrown, Chobani, Vita CoCo, Bai, Krave Jerky, Rhythm Superfoods, That's it bars as well as new products from the CVS Pharmacy exclusive line, Gold Emblem abound which is free from artificial preservatives, flavors and colors.

And beginning this summer, roughly 25% of front checkout space, traditionally occupied by candy, will be dedicated to better-for-you snacks including: KIND bars, Larabars and Vega One bars to help shoppers choose a healthier bite to tide them over while running errands.

Niche products that support trending dietary preferences including paleo, raw and vegan are also taking the spotlight in select CVS Pharmacy locations throughout the year. Initial trends include paleo displays including EPIC 100% grass-fed bison bars and Gold Emblem abound organic black chia seeds.

Next, raw foods will be showcased throughout the summer, including top picks from Go Raw bars, Emmy's Organics and Two Moms in the Raw. In the fall, a vegan showcase, featuring Larabar Bites, Kashi Teff Thin Crackers, and GimMe Health Food Seaweed Snacks, among others will be available in select locations.

Healthy deals of the week and personalized email offers serve as gentle reminders that making healthier choices can be affordable as well. The company's Fit Choices shelf tagging program also increases the ease of finding healthier items in store by clearly identifying foods that fit nutritional and dietary preferences including: Good Source of Protein, Heart Healthy, Gluten Free, Sugar Free, Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified.