What Are the Chief Elements of the Strategy That Whole Foods Market Is Pursuing?

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 best quality of products in the market that is free from preservatives and other genetically engineered products that reduce the quality of being organic.

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)?

• They are aware of the role that food and nutrition play in the long term and they are more concerned with safety of food. On the other hand, Whole Foods' Market is promoting highest quality natural and organic products which are free of growth hormones, artificial ingredients and genetically engineered ingredients. Therefore, Whole Foods' strategy is well matched to the market condition as the company is providing what the consumers are demanding.

3. 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 to the company's success? Why or why not?

• They aim for high quality products and supply thousands of organic food and gourmet products. They have a high regard for quality and standards in what is offered to their customers. Whole Foods focus on the quality of their products selling organic, preservative free products, wild or aquaculture fish and products that are environmentally friendly.

4. How well is Whole Foods Market performing from a strategic perspective? Does Whole Foods enjoy a competitive advantage over its 3 chief rivals—Wild Oats, Fresh Market and Trader Joe's? Does the company have a winning strategy?

• Whole Foods is doing well in the market of supermarkets for natural

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