Whole Foods

Case question 1: What are the chief elements of the strategy that Whole Foods Market is pursuing?

The chief elements Whole Foods market is pursuing are to increase awareness to consumers regarding the food they eat, to provide natural and organic foods that are not processed, and fresh foods that are flavorful and naturally preserved. Whole foods promotes health, and they pursue an education strategy to make customers aware that by eating products that have these qualities can help transform their diets, and live longer, healthier, and more pleasurable lives. They also focus on having a strong, knowledgeable, and specialized workforce that educates and empowers their employees. Whole Foods’s CEO John Mackey had a vision of making the brand an international one by dominating both local and international markets. This brand would promote the highest quality natural and organic foods available, and he strives to be the best food retailer in every community in which whole foods exists. He wanted to set the standard for excellence in food retailing. The overall strategy of whole foods is best described through the “Whole Foods, Whole People, Whole Planet” slogan which summarizes their focus on healthy foods, healthy people, and a healthy planet.

Case question 2: Is the strategy well matched to recent development and conditions in the natural and organic foods segment of the food retailing industry?

Yes, Whole Foods’ strategy is well matched to recent development and market conditions of the natural and organic foods segment of the food retailing industry, and is working well for the company. Their strategy is focused on providing natural, organic, and gourmet food and nonfood items to their customers. The company is also recognized by the USDA as being a Certified Organic grocer by Quality Assurance International. This means that all their products are grown organically without the usage of pesticides, fertilizers, bioengineered, growth hormones, or antibiotics....