Whole Foods Market is an American multinational supermarket chain headquartered in Austin, Texas, specializing in natural and organic foods. Founded in 1980, it offers a wide range of products including meat, fish, baked goods, beverages, body care, and household items, all adhering to strict quality standards that exclude artificial preservatives, colors, flavors, and hydrogenated fats
. The company emphasizes selling USDA-certified organic foods and avoids products such as foie gras or eggs from caged hens due to animal welfare concerns. Whole Foods also ensures that its products do not come from cloned animals or their offspring, despite FDA rulings on safety
. Whole Foods was acquired by Amazon in 2017 for $13.7 billion, which has facilitated online ordering and in-store pickup for Prime members. The chain operates over 500 stores across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, with a focus on high product quality and environmentally responsible practices
. In addition to its flagship stores, Whole Foods launched a more affordable sub-brand called "365 by Whole Foods Market" aimed at millennials, though this concept was discontinued and integrated back into the main brand by 2019
. Recently, Whole Foods has been expanding smaller-format stores in dense metropolitan areas, offering grab-and-go snacks, prepared foods, and essentials to cater to urban customers
. In summary, Whole Foods Market is a leading retailer of organic and natural foods with a commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation in grocery retail
