Whole Foods

WEEK 2 ASSIGNMENT: WHOLE FOODS

JANUARY 15, 2014

INTRODUCTION

Whole Foods Market was founded in 1980. It is the World largest chain of and organic foods supermarkets with sales revenue of $8 billion in 2009. They also had 289 stores in 2010, in the United States, Canada and Great Britain. It started out as a small local supermarket for natural foods in Austin, Texas. Whole Foods has evolved into the leader in the natural and organic food movement across the United States by gaining awareness from customers who are concerned about the food they eat. People want to become healthier and try to live longer to earn more money and see more things. The CEO, John Mackey believed that by marketing the company’s high quality and natural foods more customers and communities would transform their diets.

SWOT

Strengths

* Whole Foods Market owns and operates a chain of natural and organic foods supermarkets located in the US, Canada, and the UK.

* The company recorded revenues of $7,953.9 million during the financial year (FY) Sept 2008 increase of 20.7% over FY2007.

* 25years of double-digit growth with undisputed $4.7B Organic Supermarket Industry Leader.

* They offer catering, seasonal products and recipes, in-store events such as cooking classes, and free tours around the store.

* They are supported by complementary industries such as: Health Industry, Health Insurance Companies, Health Care Specialists, Fitness Centers and Wellness Programs.

* Their reputation for having the largest selection of organic, healthy, locally grown foods of any supermarket worldwide makes them attractive to customers.

Weaknesses

* The US government subsidizes the corn growers industry, but not the organic farmer-therefore companies not utilizing organic ingredients can grow more food cheaper and faster.

* The number of organic food farmer is growing, but slowly and the supply chain for organic foods is underdeveloped and cannot meet the needs of the...