Global Factors for Whole Foods

Global Factors and Cross-Cultural Issues

For Whole Foods Market, Inc.

Abstract

This paper discusses Whole Foods Market, Inc. and the factors that affect the company. Whole Foods Market encounters many global and cross-cultural issues in its daily business practices. As a purveyor of organic and natural foods, Whole Foods often finds that some of the factors surrounding the company involve corporate responsibility, the environment, and “green” technology processes. Other issues involving demographics also affect the success and prosperity of Whole Foods. The company has also encountered legal and political troubles in the past. Some of these global factors were not properly considered in expansion and globalization plans for the company. Whole Foods’ response to the issues impacted the success of its first global expansion to the United Kingdom. The paper provides reasons for their reactions and recommendations for the future of Whole Foods.

Table of Contents

Introduction 4

Factors Affecting Whole Foods 4

Cross-Cultural Differences for Whole Foods 8

Issue Resolutions for the Future 9

Conclusion 11

References………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...….11

Global Factors and Cross-Cultural Issues

For Whole Foods Market, Inc.

Introduction

International food supermarket chain Whole Foods Market, Inc. encounters many global and cross-cultural factors every day. As a top organic and natural food retailer in the United States, Whole Foods finds its success in marketing to affluent, educated Americans who seek healthier, often more expensive food options. Although the company has identified a key market, Whole Foods still manages to encounter many globally relevant issues, specifically involving the transition of Whole Foods to new markets in the United Kingdom. This paper discusses the factors that affect Whole Foods Market, the cross-cultural differences in the UK and worldwide that impact the company, and this paper explores issue...