Where C-Stores Can Find Fresh Produce

ALEXANDRIA, VA—Amid these unprecedented business disruptions and confusion, NACS has teamed with the Produce Marketing Association (PMA) to provide convenience retailers with quick resources and information around COVID-19 and sourcing fresh produce.

Distribution patterns have changed, and convenience retailers are looking for new or additional sources of supply as consumers continue to seek quick access to healthy foods. At the same time, some distributors have seen their restaurant business diminish. IRI data shows that the top 10 produce items purchased by the end of March were potatoes, onions, tomatoes, oranges, avocados, berries, peppers, carrots, bananas and lemons.

“As companies look for new supply chain partners and consumers look for new sources of fresh, healthy food, PMA is ready to support convenience stores as they bring more produce to store shelves,” said Kathy Means, vice president of demand creation and consumer affairs at PMA. “Consumers increasingly are turning to c-stores for fresh produce, and PMA is happy to help connect NACS members with distributors and suppliers in their areas.”

Fresh produce is healthy, and many items help boost the immune system. Shoppers are looking for health-boosting products and want to find them in your stores for one-stop shopping. PMA has launched The Joy of Fresh communications toolkit to help retailers communicate with shoppers about the safety and health benefits of fresh produce. (If you are not a PMA member and cannot access the toolkit, email Kathy Means at PMA for a copy.)

PMA also has specific information related to coronavirus. If you are a convenience retailer and looking for produce sources in your area, please email PMA so they can help connect you to a distributor/wholesaler.

NACS and PMA also work with groups focused on food safety practices like the Partnership for Food Safety Education to raise awareness of protocols and resources related to reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses. Here are additional resources about fresh produce that retailers can share with their customers and employees: 

• The FDA maintains that there is no evidence of food or food packaging being associated with transmission of COVID-19. It is a respiratory virus, not a foodborne virus. Always rinse fruits and vegetables under running water, and never use bleach, detergent or soap on fresh produce.
  • Information on produce rinsing: See the video at the top right of the page
  • FDA guidance on food products and coronavirus: Scroll down to the “Food Products” section.
  • PMA coronavirus resources page for grocery/retail.

“Convenience retailers are well positioned to provide more take-home produce in stores. Our industry’s work with nutrition-focused groups like PMA and the Partnership for a Healthier America has resulted in a robust collection of resources for retailers and has helped raised awareness of healthy options available in convenience stores,” said NACS Vice President of Strategic Industry Initiatives Jeff Lenard.

Coronavirus Resources

NACS has compiled resources to help the convenience retail community navigate the COVID-19 crisis. For news updates and guidance, visit our coronavirus resources page.

Crisis management Product availability Receiving products Replenishment