Whole Foods' plan to merge with Wild Oats Markets has just hit a snag.
The Federal Trade Commission is trying to stop the proposed merger, saying that if the two organic foods giants get together it would lead to higher prices and be bad for consumers. But Whole Foods chairman John P. Mackey says in a statement:
"The F.T.C. has failed to recognize the robust competition in the supermarket industry, which has grown more intense as competitors increase their offerings of natural, organic and fresh products; renovate their stores; and open stores with new banners and formats resembling Whole Foods Market."
Whole Foods had announced in February that they were going to buy Wild Oats Markets for $565 million.
There are so many food issues to think about when you hit the market to do grocery shopping. Store brand versus national brand. Sale versus regular. Organic vs conventional. Locally grown vs imported. Every company is promoting at least one thing (sometimes all things) at a time.With organics going mainstream, and organic farms getting larger and more efficient/industrial, more community and eco-conscious people are turning towards supporting local growers and patronizing farmers markets, rather than blindly opting for organics of unknown origin.
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