CVS Unveils New Healthy Food Options To Improve Customer Experience
By Megan Zielinski, contributing writer
As of June 30, CVS introduced its new line of healthy food options, “Gold Emblem Abound” to store shelves nationwide, providing customers with a wide variety of nutritious and affordable consumable options. CVS is also implementing a new directory program, “Fit Choices,”enabling customers to conveniently find the right snack suitable for their needs by color-coded labels.
CVS recognizes that consumers are becoming more conscious of the choices they make when it comes to purchasing food. Studies show that quality nutrition and health was the most significant factor in selection of food items by 71 percent in 2014, increasing from the total of 61 percent in 2012. New Gold Emblem Abound features over 40 products including, trail mixes, dried fruits, snack bars, wholesome cookies, rice cakes, peanut butter, mixed nuts, and more—made with nourishing ingredients, all free of artificial preservatives, flavors, and trans fat. The line also includes special dietary items such as certified gluten free, sodium free, cholesterol free, and products focused on protein, fiber, omega-3s, probiotic, and potassium. With superfood ingredients such as chia and baobab, the snacks incorporate the nutritious benefits that consumers seek.
Customers are presented with the eye-catching, bright green wrapping, listing the health perks on the packages. All Gold Emblem Abound products can be found in over 7,600 CVS stores in the U.S., priced reasonably from $2.19 to $10.99. Right now, there is a $1 dollar off coupon toward any Gold Emblem product, printable online. “We are excited and very proud to introduce the Gold Emblem Abound brand of healthier snacks and grocery items to our customers. We developed the line to taste great and help people on their path to better health," said George Coleman, Vice President of Merchandising, Store Brands and Quality Assurance, CVS/pharmacy.
In efforts to convenience quick-stop customers, the company also launched new program “Fit Choices,” enabling customers to effortlessly locate the snacks they need. Colored labels serve as a guide for each category including “Organic,” USDA certified, consisting of 95 percent organic ingredients, and products low in saturated fat and cholesterol tagged as “Heart Healthy”. Through these identifiable tabs, customers can pinpoint exactly what they need without having to delve into complicated food labels.
In early February, CVS broadcasted the company will discontinue selling tobacco products as of October 1, 2014 in all CVS stores across the country, marking the retail pharmacy as the the first to take this major initiative in supporting the health of its customers, patients, and employees. "CVS Caremark is continually looking for ways to promote health and reduce the burden of disease," said CVS Caremark Chief Medical Officer Troyen A. Brennan, M.D., M.P.H.