Whole Foods Business Analysis

Whole Foods is part of the grocery industry which makes for a competitive market. Just like all other grocery markets, Whole Foods “offers produce, packaged goods, bulk, frozen, dairy, meat, bakery, prepared foods, coffee, tea, beer, wine, cheese, nutritional supplements, vitamins, body care, pet foods, grocery, and household goods” (Yahoo, 2009). To set itself apart from all other grocery stores like Shoprite or even Walmart, Whole Foods is known for its expertise in selling natural and organic foods where about 45% of their exclusive brands are either “certified organic or “Non-GMO Project Verified” (Flanagan, 2015). In 2014, Progressive Grocer declared Whole Foods as “the largest natural and organic foods supermarket in the U.S., the 5th largest public food retailer, and the 10th largest

For any product to be worthy of their label “an item must meet the highest standards for quality and taste” (2016). This mentality is because Whole Foods main strategy is the promotion of health and wellness. Their “Health Starts Here program and positioning as America’s Healthiest Grocery Store™ are key competitive advantages” (Flanagan, 2015). Their health program focuses on providing and promoting a healthy lifestyle with nutritious meals for everyone. Whole Foods sell a variety of prepare foods that meet nutritional and organic guidelines. Some foods and products are verified as part of a no GMO (Genetically Modified Organisms) program. They have been so successful with their differentiation strategy that their exclusive brands have generated “approximately $2.1 billion in sales in 2015” and their 365 Everyday Value brand has “accounted for approximately 14% of total retail sales in 2015” which has gone up from last year by 1% (Flanagan, 2015). In the future, that percentage will probably continue going