NAPERVILLE, Ill. – The time of convenience stores stocking only beer, cigarettes and candy is long past as more retailers are placing fresh produce alongside fresh-made sandwiches, salads and snacks. NACS and United Fresh Product Association has been behind a push to help convenience stores move into produce, The Produce News reports.

“It’s been kind of an exciting year as far as produce is concerned,” said Sharon Kuncl, vice president of merchandising–foodservice for Eby-Brown. “NACS is highlighting fresh produce and encouraging retailers to take a look at it.”

While acknowledging stocking fresh fruits and vegetables isn’t for every c-store, Kuncl said that the potential for increased sales is there. “It is very challenging for stores,” she said. “They have to be willing to suffer losses initially. We sell in six-pack trays—if they carry a fresh-cut salad and fruit and a couple of other items, they might have 30 items they have to sell in the next few days. Shelf life is the big concern.”

With more big chains highlighting a focus on fresh foods, customers are beginning to expect smaller chains and independent stores to carry fresh and healthy products. Before launching a fresh initiative, operators should look at their customer base, core products, equipment and location, said Jeff Lenard, NACS vice president of strategic industry initiatives. For instance, women and millennial shoppers desire fresh fruit or veggies more than other demographics. Strong sales in current healthier options, such as nuts, health bars and yogurt, could indicate a willingness of customers to buy fresh produce.

“We are continuing to add more nutritious food,” Lenard said. “We are three years into our nutrition initiative. It’s going to be a 10-year overnight success [in that] all of a sudden it’s going to catch on. Fresh-cut is a great opportunity. It adds to our healthy portfolio.”

Read more about the NACS reFresh program online.