Supermarkets in Denmark manipulate product placement to boost candy sales among consumers

For consumers shopping for dinner with rumbling stomachs and tired children, resisting the temptation of sweets in supermarkets can seem impossible. The layout of grocery stores appears strategically designed to lead shoppers to the checkout line, surrounded by promotions for licorice pipes, chocolate bars, and gummy bears. Researchers in health and behavioral psychology confirm this is no accident.

Nicklas Brendborg, a PhD student researching consumer habits, notes that supermarkets have tested these layouts and found they increase sales. “The easier it is to access candy and other indulgent items, the greater our consumption becomes,” he explains. He emphasizes how much exposure to these products influences purchasing choices and highlights external stimuli’s impact.

Over the last 30 years, the consumption of candy among Danish adults has tripled, with each person averaging around seven kilograms of candy and six kilograms of chocolate annually, making it one of the highest rates globally. The placement of these products in stores significantly affects what people buy.

In response to rising health concerns, several health organizations are advocating for restrictions on the placement of unhealthy food items. England introduced a ban in 2022 on positioning high-fat or high-sugar foods near store entrances and checkouts. However, Dansk Erhverv Handel expresses concern over excessive regulatory interference in retailers’ decisions.

Studies indicate that modifying store environments can effectively alter consumer choices, challenging the notion that personal responsibility alone drives eating habits. In Denmark, 53% of adults struggle with overweight, prompting governmental initiatives aimed at preventing obesity, especially in children. The complexity of human behavior around food choices reveals the dual influence of environmental factors and individual willpower. To facilitate healthier eating, experts recommend that consumers avoid keeping tempting sweets at home.