Whole Foods Sets High Standards

Whole Foods Market unveiled a new quality benchmark for personal care products this month.The chain introduced a "Premium Body Care" standard, a seal of approval that directs consumers to products containing "the most natural and highest quality ingredients." Identified by a two-year review of ingredients and labeling information, approved products follow "the strictest standards for quality, sourcing, environmental impact, results and safety," according to the company. The program sets a benchmark for personal care categories, which -- unlike food -- are not regulated by U.S. governing bodies. The seal appears on packaging for nearly 1,200 health, cosmetics and body SKUs, which are designated by shelf tags in the Whole Body department. The icon also appears on ceiling banners and upfront signage. Informational booklets are distributed storewide.In other news, Whole Foods has pledged to discontinue the use of disposable plastic bags by Earth Day on April 22. The Jan. 22 announcement coincided with "Bring Your Own Bag Day," during which the chain gave away 50,000 reusable shopping bags at checkout.Elsewhere, the company's philanthropic arm unveiled an alliance with natural foods vendors to combat global poverty through microlending programs. The Whole Planet Foundation's "Super Alliance for Microcredit" provides loans to home-based businesses in developing nations, and pledges to raise more than $1 million over the next three years. Corporate partners include Back to Nature, Kraft Foods' Balance Bar, Hain Celestial Group, ITO EN, PepsiCo's Naked Juice and Stacy's Pita Chip Co., New Chapter, Seventh Generation and Whole Foods subsidiary Allegro Coffee. Stanchion signs communicate the program in stores.Whole Foods Market, Austin, TX, operates 196 Whole Foods and 62 Wild Oats stores in 38 states. Sales rose 31.4% to $2.5 billion in first-quarter 2008 (ended Jan. 20), including $238.8 million from the newly acquired Wild Oats operation. Comparable-store sales rose 9.5%, while same-store sales increased 7.1%. During the quarter, the company opened six Whole Foods stores and closed 12 Wild Oats locations, one of which will re-open in May.

Whole Foods Sets High Standards

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