Case Study Whole Foods

1. What are the chief elements of the strategy that Whole Foods Market is pursuing?

The chief elements of Whole Foods Market strategy is to provide the finest quality of products in the supermarket industry that are free from preservatives and other genetically engineered products that reduce organic properties, which promoting healthier lifestyles and increase consumer knowledge on food safety and how pesticides affect ecosystems as well as the human body. Whole Foods aims to offer most naturally preserved grocery items and the least amount of processed foods. Whole Foods Market strives to serve as the local market place across the country. They promote this vision with the tagline “Whole Food, Whole People, Whole Planet”


2. Is Whole Foods’ strategy well matched to market conditions in the food retailing industry (one of the criteria for a winning strategy discussed in Chapter 1)?

Their strategy is well matched as Whole Foods focuses on supplying consumers with the healthiest products available. Their products are without pesticides, hormones, and other genetically engineered products that could affect health, community, and agriculture. The quality products at Whole Foods have a flavorful taste and are preferred by the demands of health conscious consumers and the current trends of a healthy lifestyle. They also look to spur local economies by buying from the closest organic grocery suppliers.

3. Do you think John Mackey has a good strategic vision for Whole Foods? Why or why not? What do you like/dislike about the company’s mission/vision “Whole Foods, Whole People, Whole Planet” that is set forth in case Exhibit 1? Do the mission/vision and the core values underlying it (case Exhibit 3) really matter at this company or are they just nice words and cosmetic window dressing? Explain.

John Mackey has a good strategic vision for Whole Foods because it matches and promotes the popular trend of healthy diet options. As healthy eating patterns have grown throughout the country, Whole Foods strives to supply that demand by offering products that will fit the needs of living a better lifestyle. Chemical and hormone free products also help promote sustainable agriculture practices. The company dedication to fine and high quality products that are organic and free from any genetically altering factors is re-emphasized by their commitment to customer service and a competent team of people representing them. Mackey has managed to maintain a top quality product, expand stores all over the country, offer competitive employee incentives; all the while making profits.

4. Do Whole Foods Market's core values as presented in case exhibit 3 really matter? Are they real or just cosmetic window dressing? What evidence can you cite to support your answer? Have Whole Foods' core values contributed