Whole Foods Market, Inc. engages in the ownership and operation of a chain of natural and organic foods supermarkets. The Company conducts business through various wholly owned subsidiaries. As of September 24, 2006, the Company operated 186 stores: 177 stores in 31 U.S. states and the District of Columbia; three stores in Canada; and six stores in the United Kingdom.
The Company’s stores are supported by regional distribution centers, bakehouse facilities, commissary kitchens, seafood-processing facilities, produce procurement centers, a national meat purchasing office and a specialty coffee procurement and roasting operation. It operates nine regional distribution centers, which distributes a range of products to stores across the U.S., Canada and the United Kingdom. In addition, the Company has six regional commissaries and 11 bakehouse facilities, which distributes products to stores.
Products
The Company offers a range of product selection with emphasis on perishable foods designed to appeal to both natural foods and gourmet shoppers. Its product categories include: produce, seafood, grocery, meat and poultry, bakery, prepared foods and catering, specialty (beer, wine and cheese), Whole Body (nutritional supplements, vitamins, body care and educational products such as books), floral, pet products and household products.
Private Label
The Company's private label offerings feature approximately 1,800 SKUs and comprise three corporate brands, including 365 Everyday Value, 365 Organic and the Whole Brands family. In addition to nationally-driven programs, the Company has a number of store-made and regionally-made items sold under the Whole Foods Market label. The Company also offers specialty and organic coffees and teas through its Allegro Coffee Company subsidiary.
365 Everyday Value: The Company offers a line of products under the 365 label emphasizing everyday value.
365 Organic Everyday Value: The Company has expanded its private label program with the introduction of 365 Organic line. It has expanded this program into non-grocery departments, including a line of organic vegetables. During the period ended September 24, 2006, the Company began the process of re-branding its Whole Kids Organic line under the 365 Organic label with some new designs.
Whole Brands: The Company offers a family of Whole Brands. Included under the Whole Brands umbrella are Whole Kitchen for pre-packaged fresh and frozen grocery, Whole Treat for frozen desserts, cookies and candies, Whole Catch for pre-packaged fresh and frozen seafood items, Whole Fields for produce and produce support items, Whole Pantry for items, such as herbs, spices and condiments, Whole Creamery for cheeses, Whole Ranch for pre-packaged fresh and frozen meat, and Whole Paws for tasty and healthful pet food.
Suppliers
The Company’s buyers purchase products for retail sale from local, regional and international wholesale suppliers and vendors. United Natural Foods is the Company’s major third-party supplier.
History
Whole Foods Market, Inc. was founded in 1978.
