NACS Magazine introduced a new column this year, “In Context,” authored by NACS Vice President of Strategic Initiatives Jeff Lenard. Each month, Jeff’s column shares the NACS perspective on some of the “big picture” issues facing our industry, and what NACS is doing to address those issues — both within the industry and to the larger audience of customers and potential customers. Jeff can be reached at jlenard@nacsonline.comor (703) 518-4272.

The opening line of a March 2015 article in The Produce News says it all: “If two trade associations, representing their respective industries, are right, the 152,000 convenience stores in the United States might soon help this nation increase its collective consumption of fresh produce and help stem the tide on the country’s obesity issue.”

The article was written about the first deliverable from the NACS-United Fresh Produce Association partnership. “Building the Business Case for Produce Sales at Convenience Stores” combines analysis of industry and consumer trends with practical ideas to develop an enhanced produce offer in stores. (You can download the report under the resources tab at nacsonline.com/refresh.)

Change is indeed happening. Convenience stores once again saw double-digit produce sales growth in 2014, and a big reason why is that so many stores are adding more healthy and fresh items. More than 3 in 4 (77%) NACS retail members surveyed in June 2015 said they sell fresh fruits and vegetables, almost 6 in 10 (57%) sell packaged salads and nearly half (47%) also sell cut fruits and vegetables.

Also worth noting: Convenience stores have expanded their selections of these items. During the past six months, 50% of all convenience retailers say they have expanded their fresh fruit sales, 30% have increased their cut fruit and vegetable offers and 21% offer more salads.

It’s clear that these trends will continue, and NACS and United Fresh believe we can help accelerate them. Two months ago, the two groups brought together a task force of retailers, suppliers and distributors to further define the path ahead. More educational programs, informational toolkits and other deliverables are planned for the near future. These efforts will showcase best practices for convenience stores and their suppliers in handling and selling fresh produce, examining a variety of business and distribution models.

We will continue to evaluate impediments and specific commodity shelf-life within the produce supply chain and in-store merchandising that limit today’s produce success — and then create and identify solutions to those impediments, highlighting new models of success for the entire industry.

Several elements are already in the works. Our original 26-page toolkit is transforming into infographics that can be digested in quick informational bites. We’ve produced a short checklist asking, “Are You Fit for Fresh?”, encouraging retailers to examine a variety of factors in implementing fresh produce programs.

We are committed to leading this effort with United Fresh. And we welcome new voices from retailers who are equally committed — whether through sharing ideas or helping us develop them. Send me a note at jlenard@nacsonline.com if you’d like to be part of this group.