The Organization for Competitive Markets said a recent court filing by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) makes clear the Whole Foods acquisition of Wild Oats Markets should not go through.  The deal will harm competition, increase natural food prices for consumers, and lower market choices and prices for farmers.

“The FTC brief shows farmers supplying Whole Foods have been, and will be, barred from other market choices,” said Keith Mudd, OCM President.  “Whole Foods documents, labeled ‘Project Goldmine,’ predict that buying Wild Oats will increase revenue by 85 to 90 percent at nearby Whole Foods stores.”

Earlier this year, Whole Foods announced a deal to acquire Wild Oats Markets.  They are the number one and two natural food retailers in the U.S.  Federal approval was needed because of the size of the transaction.  The FTC determined the acquisition would harm competition, and filed suit in the U.S. District Court, District of Columbia, to block the deal.

“Whole Foods and Wild Oats have been good for supermarket competition.  Farmers have new choices for marketing naturally produced products, and consumers had more outlets for buying natural and organic foods,” said Keith Mudd.  “But we cannot allow this relatively new natural foods market to consolidate, creating monopoly profits for the victor at the expense of farmers and consumers.”

On July 30, OCM filed a brief supporting the FTC position.  The American Antitrust Institute and Consumer Federation of America joined OCM on the filing.