New Whole Foods Market Opens in Giffnock

Whole Foods Market, the world’s leading organic and natural grocery retailer, opened its first store in Scotland yesterday (Wednesday, 16th November).

Richard Lochhead MSP, Cabinet Minister for Rural Affairs and the Environment formally welcomed Whole Foods Market to Scotland after which Jeff Turnas, the company's regional president for the UK, opened the doors to local shoppers.

Darren Campbell, store team leader for Whole Foods Market said: “Finally we can open our doors to the local community in Giffnock who have been so supportive of us.

“We are thoroughly excited to be here and our passionate and skilled team members can’t wait to get started.”

Whole Foods Market’s new store in Giffnock, Glasgow will offer a place to shop where everything is freshly made, locally sourced, mindful of the seasons, Scottish wherever possible and always of the very highest quality.

All of the company's food and drink is free from artificial colours, preservatives, hydrogenated fats or other additives.

Richard Lochhead said: “I am delighted to warmly welcome Whole Foods Market to Scotland and their arrival helps set a new standard for retailing.

“For a company looking to capitalise on growing consumer demand for locally produced, top-quality food, they have found a natural home in Scotland.

“I have no doubt the opening of their first store will be the beginning of a lasting relationship with a retailer that has earned a reputation for not only sourcing local produce but for educating shoppers on how to lead a healthier lifestyle.”

The store offers an in-house ‘scratch’ bakery (with certified Kosher breads), a traditional butchery counter with the finest, highest welfare 100% Scotch beef, lamb and pork plus grocery shelves displaying over 400 products produced in Scotland as well as a fishmonger offering fresh, local catch and magnificent shellfish.

Other features include a nut-grinding machine allowing customers to make their own peanut butter!

The greengrocery showcases the highest-quality, fresh produce at the peak of condition and is sited under its own water misting wall to keep everything extra fresh.

Whole Foods Market is committed to reducing the amount of packaging it uses and its displays of ‘naked’ fruit and vegetables is testament to this. Oranges, lemons, mushrooms, greens, aubergines, peppers and seasonal squashes are just waiting to be picked up.

Although not every item is organic, across the store customers can be reassured that organic integrity will be maintained by a rigorous system of checks by the Soil Association.

Whole Foods Market prides itself on maintaining high standards and putting a clear separation between organic and ‘conventional’ or non-organic produce.

Its ‘bulk’ department is unique and its purpose is to allow shoppers to buy what they need in order  to reduce packaging and guarantee freshness. This way, you only buy what you need for cooking.

In addition, rice, pulses, grains, herbs and even wine and beer will be sold in refillable carafes or bottles.

One of Whole Foods Market’s core values is to offer shoppers support and information on leading a healthier lifestyle through the food they choose.

The ‘Health Starts Here’ programme features in every section of the store and shoppers will be able to speak to a healthy eating specialist team member, learn about dietary alternatives, be inspired by recipe cards that change every month or simply pick up delicious ready- to- eat foods made with no added oils, salt or sugar.

Whole Body - Whole Foods Market’s skin, hair, body care and supplements section - showcases the latest in organic and natural products. This is a specialist department with team members – including an in-house herbalist – who can advise on the latest natural skin and hair care treatments.

Whole Foods Market in Giffnock will also serve an extensive range of hot and cold food, and offer a smoothie and juice bar, a 34-seat café and an extensive menu of hot drinks made using regular or specialist milks.

Sushi will be made fresh by hand in-house as will local favourite Cullen Skink at the new soup station.

The ever- popular rotisserie chicken (free range) will be available by half or quarter sizes and here customers will be able to choose from some vegetable sides to go with.

In-house made burritos with a range of fillings will be made by Whole Foods Market's chefs in front of you and a self-serve hot food bar including fish and chips and a Crofters Pie (haggis pie) will help keep some of the winter cold away.

Jeff Turnas said: “This is a place where you can shop with your conscience intact. Whole Foods Market is a principled, thought -provoking, great-tasting, community-led and an inspiring place to shop. We can’t wait to see you in Giffnock.”

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