whole foodsUnited States-based Whole Foods Market Inc. plans to open at least forty stores in Canada. It is hoped that this move would finally result in about one billion dollars in annual sales in the country. According to the company’s co-chief executive, it is expected that the market will continue evolving by the time the stores are actually opened. The Co-Chief Executive, Walter Robb, did not provide the exact date or timeline within which the expansion is expected. Currently, there are only nine stores in Canada. All nine are in Ontario and British Columbia.

In previous times, the company claimed that it could have about one thousand stores at some point. It is now opening at least 30 stores annually, but the rate may increase. According to John Mackey, co-CEO of Whole Foods Market Inc., the company tends to be picky when deciding on locations to open its stores. An expansion into Quebec would mean that the company will risk running up against probable unionization, which the company has carefully avoided in the U.S. Quebec has powerful unions that will take the first opportunity to sign up the employees of Whole Foods. There are stronger labor unions in Quebec compared to other regions of Canada.

Mr. Robb said that the healthiest food that can be consumed is not costly. It just requires knowledge of how to cook it well. The multi-millionaire further claimed that he spent around 30 cents on oats, almond milk and raisins for a breakfast meal. This was to prove that as little an amount of 30 cents could be used to consume a healthy and balanced diet. He is confident that the company can achieve their goals.