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Case 1, Whole Foods Market

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

The chief elements of the strategy that Whole Foods Market is pursing is providing the finest quality of products in the market that is free from preservatives and other genetically engineered products that reduce the quality of being organic. This means that it is has the least amounts of processed prods and are naturally preserved. Whole Foods Market strives to eventually dominate the local market and eventually the international market. They promote the vision of Whole Food, Whole People, Whole Planet.

2. Is the strategy well matched to recent developments and conditions in the natural and organic foods segment of the food retailing industry?

Yes, their strategy is definitely well matched as Whole Foods focuses on supplying consumers with the healthiest products available. The 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.

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 motto “Whole Foods, Whole People, Whole Planet?” Do the motto and theprinciples underlying it (Exhibit 1) really matter at this company or arethey just nice words and cosmetic window dressing? Explain.

Yes, John Mackey has a good strategic vision for Whole Foods because it isrealistic and above the normal expectations of what a vision should be. Asthe healthy eating patterns change in the population as well as thedemands, Whole Foods strives to supply that demand by offering productsthat will fit the needs of living a better life style. In doing so, the

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