In an era where health-conscious consumers are increasingly seeking nutritious alternatives, retailers are tapping into the fresh produce trend by incorporating in-house juice bars and co-branded in-store destinations.
This strategic move not only caters to evolving consumer preferences but also enhances the shopping experience, drawing in a broader customer base.
Last year, Southern California-based Vallarta Supermarkets introduced La Fruteria, a first-of-its-kind, fresh-fruit bowl destination.
“Our Fruteria section aligns with our commitment to offering fresh, expertly cut, ready-to-eat fruits [and] high-quality products by providing an exceptional selection of fruits that are sourced directly from trusted farmers and suppliers,” said Lizette Gomez, director of marketing at Vallarta Supermarkets.
The company prioritizes freshness and sustainability, ensuring that the produce in this section is delivered daily to guarantee peak flavor and quality, she said.
Vallarta Supermarkets offers fresh produce from local growers as well as those across the U.S. and around the world, including Mexico, Chile, Canada, Peru, Guatemala, New Zealand and more.
“By curating a vibrant and diverse range of fruits, we strive to give our customers a delightful shopping experience that celebrates the joy of healthy, fresh eating while supporting our mission to deliver the finest groceries available,” Gomez said.
La Fruteria entices customers with a plethora of customization options, fostering a unique shopping experience.
“Customers can choose from a variety of fresh fruits to create personalized fruit bowls or platters,” she said. “We offer an extensive range, from everyday staples to exotic and seasonal varieties.”
Last year, Southern California-based Vallarta Supermarkets introduced La Fruteria, a first-of-its-kind, fresh-fruit bowl destination. (Photo courtesy of Vallarta Supermarkets)
Customers can choose from toppings such as chamoy and tajin to add on top of the pre-cut fruit. Think of this as a street food vendor.
“We source our fresh produce from trusted farmers and suppliers,” Gomez said. “We want to ensure our customers have access to a wide range of fresh produce that is of the highest quality.”
Vallarta Supermarkets' La Isla juice bar offers aguas frescas, wellness shots and fresh juices made to order.
With bright colors, La Isla juice bar's aguas frescas are available in many flavors, like horchata, pineapple, papaya, mamey and jamaica. Fresh-pressed fruit and vegetable juices are also available, and in select stores La Isla juice bar offers fresh shots of wheat grass, turmeric or ginger root.
“La Isla offers a selection of fresh juices and aguas frescas, allowing shoppers to recharge with a delicious, healthy drink while they shop or as a reward after they finish their errand,” Gomez said. “And if they are craving cut fruit, La Fruiteria is there to enhance their shopping experience.”
The staple items available at all stores include horchata, pineapple spinach, and jamaica. Select stores have additional aguas frescas such as strawberry mint, watermelon, banana and strawberry, mamey, mango, cucumber lemonade with agave syrup, lemonade with chia seeds, cantaloupe and honeydew, fruit medley, tamarindo and seasonal aguas frescas.
For the fresh juices, La Isla offers signature juices including Vampiro (beet, celery, orange, carrot, parsley, apple and spinach), Popeye (spinach, celery, orange and apple), Energy (beet, celery, pineapple, parsley, orange and carrot, Vitamin C (grapefruit, apple, pineapple and orange) and Verde (grapefruit, celery, parsley and pineapple).
All juices and aguas frescas come in three sizes (small, medium and large). Customers also have the option to build their own juice at any location.
“By offering aguas frescas, fresh juices and cut fruit, Vallarta Supermarkets reinforce their commitment to quality, diversity and authentic culinary traditions, making their stores a welcoming destination for all shoppers seeking delicious and refreshing beverages,” Gomez said.
Vallarta Supermarkets' La Isla juice bar offers aguas frescas, wellness shots and fresh juices made to order. (Photo courtesy of Vallarta Supermarkets)
Nékter makes a splash
Nékter Juice Bar, a juice concept store with more than 200 locations across 24 states, has been recognized by Entrepreneur magazine as a top franchise opportunity on its annual Franchise 500 list. Founded in 2010, Nékter Juice Bar offers plant-based food options that promote and support various lifestyles and diet preferences.
The company ranked among the top 20% of U.S. restaurant chains, according to Technomic, a restaurant and foodservice research and consulting firm, placing Nékter Juice Bar at No. 225 out of 1,500 restaurant chains in the Technomic 2024 Top 500 Restaurant Report.
Nékter Juice Bar offers a menu of freshly made, clean and nutrient-rich juices, superfood smoothies, acai bowls, wellness shots, cold-pressed "Grab N' Go" juices, healthy snacks and several natural cleanse options to help guests live "Better with Nékter,” the company said in a news release.
“Being recognized as one of America's strongest restaurant brands — in the top 20% of all restaurant chains — is a testament to a promise fulfilled to our guests to offer only the best and freshest handcrafted menu,” Nékter Juice Bar co-founder and CEO Steve Schulze said in the release.
According to its 2023 franchise disclosure statement, Nékter Juice Bar has one of the category's highest top quartile average store sales of $913,314.
Since opening its first location in 2010, Nékter Juice Bar has received recognition from multiple business and restaurant industry authorities such as Franchise Times, Nation's Restaurant News, Newsweek, QSR Magazine, Restaurant Business and more.