SARASOTA – From cage-free eggs to paper towels made from 100 percent recycled paper, demand for ecologically conscious and organic grocery shopping in Southwest Florida stores is strong — and growing.
In an effort to compete with a new wave of specialty grocers that have set up shop locally in the past decade, including Whole Foods Market, Trader Joe's and The Fresh Market, more and more mainline grocers are adding organic and "green" items to stay competitive.
That is because grocers like Publix Super Markets Inc., Winn-Dixie and Sweetbay have deduced that even in times where budget-conscious consumers are wary of high food bills, specialty stores like Whole Foods Market — which sells organic milk for $5.99 a gallon — are gaining in popularity. Those specialty markets typically locate in wealthier areas, where customers can afford to spend more, but consumers in general are seeking greater selection and healthier alternatives — despite higher prices. "These upscale grocers have really upped the bar in terms of what's available to shoppers and are now being made available to more people," said Pat Fitzpatrick, president of Atlanta Retail Consulting.
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