Whole Foods

Whole Foods Market Inc. is an American multinational supermarket chain headquartered in Austin, Texas, which exclusively sells products free from hydrogenated fats and artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. A USDA Certified Organic grocer in the United States, the chain is popularly known for its organic selections. Whole Foods has 500 stores in North America and the United Kingdom as of 2020.

History

Whole Foods Market was established in 1980 by John Mackey, Renee Lawson Hardy, Craig Weller, and Mark Skiles. The original Whole Foods Market opened on September 20, 1980, in Austin, Texas. It was created from the merger of SaferWay, a natural foods store founded by Mackey and Hardy, and Clarksville Natural Grocery, owned by Weller and Skiles.

Business Model

Whole Foods Market sells products that meet its self-created quality standards for being "natural", which the store defines as: minimally processed foods that are free of hydrogenated fats as well as artificial flavors, colors, sweeteners, preservatives, and many others as listed on their online "Unacceptable Food Ingredients" list. Whole Foods Market has also announced a policy of not selling food grown from genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

Criticism and Controversies

Whole Foods Market has faced criticism on multiple fronts. Critics have accused the company of price gouging and unethical business practices. The company has also faced lawsuits over its treatment of employees and allegations of discrimination.

See Also

• Organic food
• Natural foods
• John Mackey
• Supermarket

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