Nutrition experts help retailers educate customers

The American Hy-Vee, for instance, employs 100 dietitians in about 70% of its locations.

As consumers seek to become healthier, supermarkets can play a role in educating them about nutrition by employing dietitians and nutritionists. These employees can give store tours, provide information, create recipes and answer consumers' questions. "Our in-store dieticians have had a great impact on sales," Hy-Vee executive Doug Riley said. "They are our sounding board. They are great ambassadors for produce and for the produce departments."