Top US health store to open in UK

Updated 11.56 Mon Jun 04 2007

Keywords: organic food, Whole Foods Market

The biggest health food chain in the US is getting set to open its first flagship store in London.

Whole Foods Market will sell a range of natural and organic groceries from a site in Kensington, which will also feature 13 eating venues and an in-house bakery.

Experts predict the opening will see a rise in the UK market for premium-priced health foods

Experts predict the opening will see a rise in the UK market for premium-priced health foods.

IGD senior business analyst Gavin Rothwell said: "Whole Foods Market will tap into, and accelerate, the long-running consumer trends of health, wellbeing and ethical consumerism.

"These trends are already helping to drive sales growth in premium products to the tune of 10 per cent per year."

The chain operates 189 outlets in the US and Canada plus five Fresh & Wild shops in the UK which it acquired in 2004.

It's said to be popular with Hollywood A-listers such as Charlize Theron, Mischa Barton and Angelina Jolie.