Who’d a thunk it? Costco beat green grocers like Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s to nab sustainablegrocer.com‘s “Sustainable Grocer of 2009 Award.”
Costco was recognized for its sustainable practices including, its: energy conservation efforts, substantial organic food offerings, low prices, recycling efforts, private label production and local presence.
source: prnewswire
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I know I LOVE my local Costco. I am able to get SO much organic/natural food there at about 1/2 the price or even better than traditional stores!
Hooray! for Costco.
I have been railing against the “big box” stores for their tepid entries into organic. I have been frustrated by the large regional grocers, Walmart, and Whole Foods. The grocers and “Wally”use tried and true marketing to make us think they are on board…but, selection, taste, and origin of their fresh stuff left me asking:”This is it? and, It costs how much?.
I am a huge proponent of “buy local” and using farmers markets, but, understand it is not always practical for many. My trip to Costco made me feel much better. Better selection, at least the appearance of trying to get USA stuff and better prices.
Maybe, just maybe, there is some hope of getting some healthy produce and fruits…affordably…on a consistent basis.
Oh, I also talked with the manager and he said there is some noise from corporate of getting grass based meats in the future…AND, a push to try to purchase regionally, if not local.
And considering that Walmart’s Sam’s Club is the competition, this is all the more impressive.
“Wally” (My pet name for Walmart) is moving forcefully into the organic realm, just not at Sam’s… yet. While they market to the consumer about “listening”, they are doing the same dreadful tactics to growers…They are buying from from mid-size and small growers, but, the volume required and the scaled pricing causes major stress to these farms. In essence “Wally” becomes their sole customer…very dangerous, but too seductive for many to say no to.
I am currently trying to research Costco’s strategy and buying practice…so, while somewhat hopeful, a little skeptical on C-Co until I can find out more.
Cheers!
Smokey
Costco is great for a few things but I have not found it to be useful at all for organic produce here in West Palm Beach, Fl.
They have some local produce but no where near the quanity, quality and diversity of organic produce that the Publix ‘Greenwise’ and Whole Foods stores. I am sure that there are regional differences because of growing seasons and location but for Costco to get more of my business they are going to have to go out of the ‘cheapest you can get’ business and start to develop a ‘quality bar none’ attitude. Thanks.