2024 Game Changer: Whole Foods Market Sourced For Good Program
Sales of private label products across numerous categories saw strong growth in 2023, and retailers and suppliers alike are working to keep that momentum going. With consumer expectations for store brand products perhaps higher than ever, the pressure is on to bring to market high value products that meet the demands of today’s shoppers who are seeking quality and value.
RELATED: See the complete list of 2024 Game Changers honorees
The honorees in Store Brands 2024 Game Changers played a role in continuing to raise the bar in the world of private label. From the work of the six individuals honored this year to the products and programs developed by retailers and suppliers, the quality of store brand products now on the shelves are driving sales and giving shoppers additional choices at retail.
Whole Foods Market
Sourced For Good Program
Whole Foods Market’s Sourced for Good program, originally exclusive to produce and floral, has expanded into the grocery aisle with the inclusion of Whole Foods Market brand coffee blends. This initiative involves collaboration with third-party certifiers to ensure responsible sourcing, making improvements in the lives of farm workers and supporting communities where products are sourced. Whole Foods Market’s commitment to environmental stewardship, worker welfare, and ethical practices in the sourcing process is exemplified through the program’s expansion.
The grocer’s decision to introduce the Sourced for Good seal to 13 distinct blends of its own brand of coffee, previously under the Allegro Coffee Company label, in October of 2023 highlights its dedication to supporting communities where private label products are sourced.
According to the company, its recent initiatives in the coffee industry and rebrand of Whole Foods Market coffee, has addressed the growing consumer demand for ethically sourced and high-quality coffee. The introduction of the Sourced for Good seal to its Whole Foods Market brand coffee blends and the certification of all single-origin coffees with the Q Coffee mark have signaled a significant departure from conventional practices in the industry.
All Whole Foods Market brand coffees must be either organic or Non-GMO Project Verified and meet the retailer’s high quality standards for food ingredients. The grocer went a step further by expanding Sourced for Good into the coffee aisle and started with its own private label blends.
Additionally, the inclusion of the Q Coffee mark and a score of 86+ on all Whole Foods Market brand single-origin coffees further distinguishes Whole Foods Market. This certification from the Coffee Quality Institute (CQI) not only guarantees consistent specialty quality but also offers consumers a clear indicator of the exceptional standard maintained by the brand. This emphasis on quality assures customers that they are purchasing a product that goes beyond basic industry standards, and can serve in educating customers on specialty coffee.
