Sprouts Farmers Market: Cementing Its Place as the Heart of Natural Food Shopping

PHOTO CREDIT: Sprouts Farmer's Market 

It can be said that today’s generation is pioneering a dynamic shift towards eco-friendly and healthy living, embracing vegan diets, non-GMO foods, and sustainable lifestyles, that has transformed once-niche practices into mainstream norms. Millennials and Gen Z are leading the charge, driving demand for ethical products, reducing waste, and prioritizing wellness in ways that are redefining the market. In addition, Post-COVID, we have seen an even bigger, growing trend towards healthy eating, with customers increasingly aware of ingredient quality and dietary needs. However, this movement stands on the shoulders of the trailblazers from previous generations—those who embraced organic farming, natural remedies, and environmental activism when these ideas were far from popular.

With “healthy living” - in all of its forms - being embraced by a large portion of the population, it is no surprise that there are a growing number of brands and retailers, either adapting to this change, or forging their own path in this well-developed market. And one brand, that may not have been on many people’s radars a couple decades ago, is now a leader in the space, making healthy eating an easy and convenient choice - Sprout’s Farmer’s Market.

Originally starting out as a produce stand, operated by Henry Boney in San Diego in 1943, Sprouts Farmers Market opened its first store in Chandler, Arizona, in 2002, thanks to the efforts of Henry’s son and grandson. Today, as one of the fastest-growing retailers in the country, Sprouts has grown to more than 380 stores across the country, with approximately 31,000 team members.

Recently, we were invited to attend the grand opening of their newest story in Brooksville, Florida, where we had the privilege of sitting down with Store Manger, Steve Cantone, who has been with Sprouts for the past five years.

We know why we love Sprouts, but we wanted to gain an insider's perspective on what truly makes Sprouts so special. We asked Cantone, what sets Sprouts apart from other natural markets?

Cantone tells us that Sprouts differentiates itself by catering to various dietary needs, including gluten-free, paleo, vegan, and vegetarian, while also maintaining a regular grocery shopping experience. In addition, the store emphasizes sustainability, donating unsold food to local organizations and using biofuels for unsold produce.

He also mentions that Sprouts' unique layout integrates different food sections without segregating them, using tags to indicate dietary compatibility. Cantone says that he company maintains high product standards, avoiding high fructose corn syrup and adhering to European-like quality controls.

“This Sprouts has a newer layout that includes a meat department highlighting grass-fed, air-chilled, and other specialty meats, as well as a gourmet seafood case,” says Cantone. “Also, the store's tagging system identifies products based on dietary needs, making it easy for customers to find what they're looking for.”

Cantone says that he has noticed a growing trend of customers becoming more health-conscious and aware of the ingredients in the products they purchase. “Customers are increasingly checking labels for things like red dyes, high fructose corn syrup, and organic certification, says Cantone. “And Sprouts aims to meet this demand for clean, healthy products.”

Another defining point Cantone is most proud of is Sprouts' superior customer service that sets them apart. The company places a strong emphasis on community involvement, donations, and building relationships with customers through personal interactions and communication.

Cantone is adamant that "hands down, it is definitely the customer service that sets us apart. You're not going to find better customer service anywhere.” He goes on to tell us that in addition, “anything that we could possibly recycle, compost, we do, and we partner up with metropolitan ministries, local churches,” Cantone says. “So, anything that we can go ahead and donate to feed to families that are in need, we will."

Another topic of conversation was obviously the opening of their Brooksville-Spring Hill store in the Tampa area of Florida. We wanted to know how Sprouts chooses their locations, why Brooksville, and how they are being received into the community.

Cantone tells us that Sprouts considers demographics and works with larger companies to determine the best locations for new stores. They also aim to find local partners that can work with them on sustainability initiatives.

As far as how Brooksville welcomed them? We would definitely say, with open arms! The store was overflowing with excited shoppers and lines were long, but no one seems to mind. With a DJ spinning the latest tunes, and a balloon arch welcoming you in to a natural food paradise, people were all smiles.

“Our customers are excited, exclaims Cantone. “We're excited to be here, but it's nice to introduce something new to the community. There's nothing else in the Brookville area that people can go that caters for dietary restrictions.” He also tells us, “we have the freshest produce, and best pricing in town on that produce.”

PHOTO CREDIT: Sprouts Farmer's Market 

He feels that people these days are much more aware of what they are putting into products they are purchasing, and says, “they know that Sprouts can give them those clean and healthy products that they're looking for, so that way they know they're making the right choices.”

We asked about the future plans in the community and what Cantone and Sprouts have planned in the coming months. “As a company, we have programs in place, which we've been doing communal gardens across the country for years, says Cantone. “I believe later on this year, we're actually doing one in South Florida, so that'll be the one that we'll do this year.” He goes on to say that, “it's nice the company actually gives each store the ability to go around and either set up the community gardens or do some type of Community Give Back program. So we've been working with churches and organic farms and trying to see, really, what's going to be the best fit for the community, and the best fit for this store, to try to give back to where we can do the most with what we're what we have to offer them.”

We think that sounds fantastic and cannot wait to see what they do in the future. For now, Sprouts remains at the top of our list for healthy food, sustainability, contribution and Cantone’s favorite…customer service.

We had an great time shopping, sampling and getting some healthy goodies of our own…. (ok…there also MAY have been some gummy bears, too!) …and solidified our love of this health food utopia, that makes you feel good inside…and out.

Visit the NEW Brooksville - Spring Hill Florida location at: 7187 Coastal Blvd, Brooksville, FL 34613
Or to find the Sprouts location nearest you, visit: https://www.sprouts.com/stores/

BBB - Boho Blue Best

CHOMPS

Jerky would not normally be at the top of my list when reaching for a snack. Let’s just say I have never been a fan. However, when Matt encouraged me to try CHOMPS at the Sprouts Grand Opening weekend, I was quite surprised…CHOMPS is really good!

CHOMPS keeps it simple…0g sugar and plenty of protein, in a range of seven CHOMPable flavors, their sticks are packed with flavor and free of the icky stuff. They are also Keto friendly, Paleo certified, and gluten free!

So, for all you meat-lovers out there - go check out CHOMPS. They even have a turkey flavor if you are not into red meat.

For more information check them out here: https://chomps.com/

And you can always find them at Sprouts!

Thanks Matt, for turning us on to CHOMPS!