Sprouts continues expansion

Phoenix-based natural and organic retailer Sprouts Farmers Market plans to open six new locations in the second quarter and 30 stores throughout the country in 2018. The new Simpsonville, S.C., store opening in the second quarter represents Sprouts’ 16th state.

The other five new Sprouts stores opening in the second quarter will be in Augusta, Ga.; Charlotte, N.C.; Lincoln, Calif.; Sparks, Nev.; and San Diego.

In 2018, Sprouts will also open stores in Maryland, Pennsylvania and Washington state, bringing its state count to 19 by the end of the year.

In addition to thousands of natural, organic and gluten-free groceries, shoppers can find more than 1,800 Sprouts Brand items, which the retailer says meet strict ingredient standards.

Sprouts said it is dedicated to growing responsibly and has committed to a “Zero Waste” threshold by 2020, as defined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The Sprouts Food Rescue program donates unsold and edible groceries, including fresh produce, from its stores and distribution centers to food banks in all of its markets. Local relief agencies pick up this food, which would otherwise go to waste, and distribute it to families in need. In 2017, Sprouts donated an estimated 23 million pounds of product, equivalent to 19 million meals.

Food that is not fit for human consumption is either composted or sent to cattle ranches through Sprouts’ Food Waste to Farms program.

Sprouts operates more than 280 stores in 15 states from coast to coast.