Whole Foods sees UK losses

Now the firm has said that it will attempt to lower pre-tax losses to $13m in the next fiscal year and break even by 2011.

Chief executive at the supermarket John Mackey noted that Whole Foods lost money when it made its first forays into the Canadian market but managed to turn its fortunes around.

"We are carefully evaluating all aspects of our operations in the UK, with the intent to improve our results over the short term and deliver strong returns over the long term," he said.

He added however that he is "disappointed" with the UK figures, as the firm globally said that it will alter expansions planned for the US.

Specialising in organic and healthy foods, the company has five small Fresh & Wild stores in Britain alongside one larger Whole Foods site.