Whole Foods Market is the country’s largest specialized retailer of natural and organic foods. It currently holds 1.2% of the nation’s grocery market. The food chain has grown rapidly by servicing the country’s rapidly growing demand for natural, nutritious foods.

About Whole Foods Market

The chain began with one store in Austin, Texas back in 1980. Now it is the world’s leader in natural and organic foods. It has 310 stores throughout North America and in the United Kingdom. Whole Foods Market seeks out the finest of natural and organic foods and maintains the strictest of quality standards. As a company, they vow a commitment to:

Whole Foods – Whole Foods Market is committed to finding the highest quality, least processed and most flavorful and natural foods possible.

Whole People – This company declares a commitment to their employees who have a passion about healthy food and a healthy planet. They strive to create a respectful workplace where people are treated fairly and are motivated to succeed.

Whole Planet – Whole Foods Market actively supports organic farming and sustainable agriculture. They also are proud to say that they support food banks, donate to non-profit groups, and sponsor neighborhood events.

Programs

Locally Grown – Whole Foods Market has a commitment to buying vegetables and fruits from local producers whose produce meets their high standards. They do business with those who farm organically and are environmentally friendly. They regard this as a way to empower the individual store, as well as individual buyers.

Green Mission – Whole Foods Market is the first major retailer to offset their energy use with wind energy credits. They strive to take more and more green steps every day.

Whole Kids Foundation – This company also has a mission to support schools and inspire families to improve the nutrition and wellness of children. With the help of consumers, they are trying to fund a program called Let’s Move Salad Bars to Schools. So far, they have been able to raise $1.4 million and award 564 salad-bar grants. They are also helping to fund school gardening programs and much more.

Local Producer Loan Program – This program provides up to $10 million in low-interest loans to small, local producers. The loans range from $1,000 to $100,000, and can be for things like purchasing animals, new equipment, or converting to organic production.

For information on how to get involved with these and other Whole Food Market Programs, visit WholeFoodsMarket.com.

Stats

Annual Sales – by the end of the fiscal year 2010 the company reached $8.8 billion in total sales.

Number of Employees – the company employs over 62,000 “team members”

States Serviced – Whole Foods Market currently operates in 38 U.S. states.

Store Locations

Currently Whole Foods Market has nearly 310 stores total. The chain has locations in 38 states. There are also stores located in Canada and in the UK.

Brands

The Whole Foods Market has its own private label brands. To wear a Whole Foods Market label a food must meet the highest standards for quality and taste. Therefore, they seek the most flavorful foods that are free of additives, sweeteners, preservatives, and hydrogenated fats.