Whole Foods Market

Whole Foods Market Inc. has revealed that its results for the second quarter of the fiscal year ended 11 April 2010 reached record highs, with sales up 13 per cent to hit US$2.1bn.

Earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation soared by 40 per cent to US$182.3m, the group said, with identical store sales, excluding four relocations, increasing 7.7 per cent.

'Our second-quarter results are the best we have reported in several years, with extremely strong growth in comparable-store sales, earnings and cash flow,' said group CEO John Mackey. 'We have successfully emerged from this recession with a healthier balance sheet and better capital disciplines. Our new stores are performing well and we look forward to rebuilding our store development pipeline and re-accelerating our square footage growth in the future.'

Meanwhile, the group has also announced the promotion of two senior figures into new positions.

Walter Robb and A.C. Gallo have shared the posts of president and chief operating officer since 2004, but Mr Robb has now become co-CEO with John Mackey and will join the company's board of directors, with Mr Gallo becoming the sole president and COO.