Whole Foods Market Inc.

Public Company, Headquarters Location
550 Bowie St., Austin, TX 78703-4644, United States
(512)477-4455, (512)482-7000 fax, http://www.wholefoods.com

Primary SIC: Grocery Stores, Primary NAICS: Supermarkets and Other Grocery (except Convenience) Stores
Description: Whole Foods Market Inc. was founded in 1980 and began trading on the NASDAQ in January 1992. The company operates retail supermarkets specializing in natural and organic foods, with an emphasis on perishables and prepared foods. Wholly-owned subsidiaries such as bakehouse operations, seafood processors, a confectionary and a specialty tea and coffee operation exist to supply the company's single business segment. In 2003, Whole Foods Market became the first American grocer to be independently certified organic. Whole Foods Market is headquartered in Austin, Texas, with 11 regional offices. As of September 2008, the company operated 275 stores-264 in 38 U.S. states and D.C., 6 in Canada and 5 in the United Kingdom. In August 2007, Whole Foods Market acquired Wild Oats Markets, Inc., which operated stores in the U.S. and Canada under four names: Wild Oats Marketplace, Henry's Farmers Markets, Sun Harvest and Capers Community Market. The 55 stores netted from this acquisition were all rebranded with the Whole Foods name and are part of the company's 275-store total. Among Whole Foods Market's numerous private-label brands are Allegro Coffee Company, Mrs. Gooch's and Fresh Fields. The company also carries control brands such as Eternal Water.Retail: Natural and organic foods supermarket chain.