Tesco’s totally treat-free tills pile pressure on rivals

Major supermarkets are coming under increased pressure to have sweet-free checkouts after Tesco stole a march on them by removing sugary treats from the tills in all their stores.

The supermarket giant made the move after finding that 65% of customers backed confectionery-free checkouts.

And 67% of parents told Tesco the removal of sweets from checkouts would help them make healthier choices for their children.

A Tesco spokesman said sweets would also be removed from areas adjacent to the tills — racks filled with sweets next to checkout queues.

Tesco removed sweets and chocolate from the checkouts of larger stores 20 years ago but now all stores in Britain and Ireland, including Metro and Express outlets, will have sweet-free checkouts.

The supermarket will trial a variety of healthier products at checkouts before implementing the full change at the end of December.

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.”

Earlier this year, healthy eating watchdog Safefood urged major Irish supermarkets to introduce healthier checkouts after a survey found three-quarters of consumers believe having junk food at shop checkouts contributes to obesity.

The survey also found that almost a third of shoppers (32%) regularly buy junk food on impulse while waiting at the checkout.

Senator Feargal Quinn, who years ago banned sweets from the checkouts in the Superquinn supermarket chain he founded, has been urging other supermarkets to do the same.

Safefood welcomed the move by Tesco to remove sweets at checkouts, saying it was a positive step to help consumers, especially those shopping with children, to make healthier choices.

“We hope more retailers will follow this significant initiative by Tesco, which we welcome,” said Safefood’s chief executive, Martin Higgins.

The Irish Nutrition & Dietetic Institute (INDI), the professional organisation for dietitians in Ireland, said Tesco had taken a “great step” in the midst of the current obesity epidemic.

“Every small step counts towards keeping our children healthier,” said INDI interim chief executive Richelle Flanagan.

Aldi Stores (Ireland) said it was fully committed to encouraging their customers to eat fresh, healthy products.

“Our business is currently in the process of trialling a healthy till merchandising format in the UK. Aldi Stores (Ireland) will be closely monitoring this trial with a view to implementing it if successful,” a spokesperson said yesterday.

Musgrave said the choice of using sweet-free checkouts was offered in SuperValu stores.

Lidl and Dunnes Stores did not comment.