Whole Foods Market

US natural and organics retailer Whole Foods Market has announced that net income increased by 53.5 per cent through the third quarter of the year, up to US$65.7m.

Overall group sales climbed 15 per cent to US2.2bn through the three-month period with comparable store sales up 8.8 per cent, boosted by a focus on opening smaller outlets, the group noted.

Group CEO Walter Robb said that the group had benefited from promotions and an improved consumer perception with regards to pricing.

'We are pleased with our results which compare very favourably to most other food retailers and show we are continuing to gain market share,' he said.