Tesco to remove sweets from checkouts in all store formats by the end of the year
Tesco is to remove sweets and chocolates from checkouts across its full range of store formats by the end of the year.
The move follows research which found that nearly two-thirds of its customers thought that removing confectionery from checkouts would help them make healthier choices when shopping.
Tesco removed sweets and chocolates from checkouts at larger Tesco stores 20 years ago, but for the first time they will be removed from checkouts at all stores, including Tesco Metro and Express convenience stores.
The retailer has committed to remove all sweets and chocolates by the end of December 2014.
Tesco chief executive Philip Clarke said: “We all know how easy it is to be tempted by sugary snacks at the checkout, and we want to help our customers lead healthier lives.
“We’ve already removed billions of calories from our soft drinks, sandwiches and ready meal ranges by changing the recipes to reduce their sugar, salt and fat content. And we will continue to look for opportunities to take out more.
“We’re doing this now because our customers have told us that removing sweets and chocolates from checkouts will help them make healthier choices.”
Tesco will be trialling a range of healthier products at checkouts before implementing the full change across all stores at the end of the year.
