Austin, Texas is the home of Whole Foods. Maybe that's what has driven organic and conventional food competitors from other places to set up stores in and around the Lone Star state's capital.
Phoenix-based Sprouts Farmers Market opened two stores in the Austin-area last week. It has plans to open two additional locations before the end of the year.
Doug Sanders, president and chief operating officer of Sprouts Farmers Market, told The Packer, "We've been very well received. People here say they're just glad to have somewhere else to shop."
Other companies that have set up stores in Austin over the past year include Newflower Farmers Market (owned by Sunflower Farmers Market) and Sun Harvest.
Discussion Questions: Which grocery operator in the organic foods space impresses you the most? Do you think any of the new upstarts will present a significant challenge to Whole Foods? How much of a dent are conventional supermarkets making in the organic foods market?