My Search for the Perfect Apple

Have you caught up with Time Magazine 12 March 2007 yet? If not you should get a copy. You cannot miss it in the newsagents, it is the one with a big apple on the cover. When you get it you should read the article by John Cloud. In my presentations the issues I have been bringing up are discussed in depth in the magazine, for instance, should we buy local or should we buy organic? In the USA 25% of consumers in 2006 bought something organic once a week, compared to 17% in 2000.There are now 3,706 farmers markets in the States, a doubling of outlets since 1996. The article brings in the argument that local is more important than organic. Then you have the arrival of �Whole Foods� with 190 stores as I write this piece, but they are about to buy �Wild Oats Markets� which will bring their outlet number to 302. Today this is a $5.6 billion business that is growing at 22% a year and now open in the UK in Kensington. The article goes into depth on the thinking of John Mackey, CEO, and how he feels they should develop the market. Plus, what is local? I love the definition by Gassow “Within a day�s leisurely drive of our homes” While Whole foods believe local is 320 miles from a store! If you want a challenging read get a copy of Time magazine