Drug stores continue to offer more fresh grocery items. “Fresh fruit and vegetables are top grocery categories. There’s high demand for the products, and the size of the market is huge. So it makes sense that the drug channel is going after that business,” said Harry Balzer, chief industry analyst and VP of the NPD Group.
Greg Tradup, category manager of perishable, supplies and foodservice at McLane Co., said that drug stores are seeing a jump in sales of fresh fruits, juices and thaw-and-serve sandwiches.
