Whole Foods co-founder: Nobody paid us any attention until we opened a store in Columbus Circle
CNBC Television
3 min, 48 sec
John Mackey, co-founder and former CEO of Whole Foods, discusses the evolution of the grocery industry, the impact of Amazon on Whole Foods, and the debate on GMOs.
Summary
- John Mackey oversaw Whole Foods for 44 years including its sale to Amazon and authored a book titled 'The Whole Foods Story'.
- He mainstreamed the concept of natural foods to the masses and reflects on the growth and changes in the grocery industry post-COVID.
- Delivery services surged during COVID, and though they remain, in-person grocery shopping has returned to prominence.
- Mackey addresses the stigma around GMOs and the importance of discerning which GMOs may be beneficial versus those that could be harmful.
Chapter 1
John Mackey's influence on natural foods is introduced, including his tenure at Whole Foods and his new book.
- John Mackey, co-founder and former CEO of Whole Foods, joins to discuss his experiences.
- His new book, 'The Whole Story: Adventures in Love, Life, and Capitalism', is released.
- Mackey is credited with mainstreaming natural foods and developing the market.
Chapter 2
John Mackey reflects on changes in the grocery industry after COVID-19, including the rise of delivery services.
- Delivery services increased during the pandemic as people avoided in-person shopping.
- Amazon played a significant role in enhancing Whole Foods' delivery capabilities.
- In-person shopping has resumed, and delivery is now more of a convenience option.
Chapter 3
John Mackey discusses Whole Foods' unnoticed growth until its expansion into New York City.
- Competitors and media overlooked Whole Foods until it opened a store at Columbus Circle, NYC.
- The New York store opening marked the point at which Whole Foods began receiving significant attention.
Chapter 4
John Mackey talks about the controversy over GMOs and the need for regulation and discernment.
- Mackey highlights that not all GMOs are harmful and that some can offer significant benefits.
- He suggests that while some GMOs like Monsanto's glyphosate-treated corn might be risky, others like vitamin-enriched wheat could prevent blindness in children.
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