What Amazon’s purchase of Whole Foods means for distribution

Amazon’s acquisition of Whole Foods for $13.4 billion in cash will soon change many of our habits and customs, as well as how the vitally important distribution industry. This is not just another acquisition or an extension of the Jeff Bezos empire: there is much more at stake here.

Whole Foods is more than just a supermarket chain: it’s a different way of doing things. It was set up in 1980 with a clear mission to become a supplier of healthy foods, and despite some problems, has remained loyal to its founding aims. It’s one of those supermarkets where shopping is as pleasant an experience as it can be: the products are beautifully presented, they look fantastic, the staff speaks and advises you, everything is sourced organically and locally, and is sustainable … it takes the concept of the supermarket to another level.. Even its 365 initiative, aimed at lower costs, intensive use of technology, customers who take products directly from the cargo pallets and connect with younger consumers, is well-thought-out and has the same commitment to healthy products, becoming something of a hipster haven. Granted, it makes no money and its shareholders were beginning to express concern about its profitability, but we are talking about a Fortune 500 company with 431 supermarkets in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, and with 91,000…