With the opening of Fresh Thyme Farmers Market in Bloomington on Wednesday, the Twin Cities grocery market will add a new, fast-growing chain that’s trying to capitalize — particularly in the Midwest — on increasing demand for natural and organic food.
Chicago-based Fresh Thyme plans to open 10 to 12 stores here in the next four or five years, with deals signed for six more Twin Cities locations beyond Bloomington.
Fresh Thyme is among a new breed of grocery chains that features smaller stores focusing on produce, fresh meat and dairy and mostly eschew traditional packaged food brands. Indeed, fresh produce accounts for 25 to 30 percent of sales at Fresh Thyme compared to 12 to 15 percent for larger grocery stores.
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