November 12, 2013

4 Min Read
New Leaf Community Markets becomes subsidiary of New Seasons Market

New Seasons Market announced today that New Leaf Community Markets will join the Portland, Ore.-based grocer as a wholly owned subsidiary. New Seasons Market has been exploring the benefits of growth in new communities, and is excited to create an alliance with a like-minded, mission-driven company dedicated to strengthening the regional food shed and communities they serve.

Founded in 1985, New Leaf is a pioneer in the natural and organic grocery industry with eight stores located in Santa Cruz, San Jose, Half Moon Bay, Pleasanton and Capitola. Like New Seasons Market, New Leaf is a certified B-Corporation which uses the power of business to solve social and environmental problems.  Both grocers also give back to the community by donating 10 percent of their after tax profits to nonprofits in the communities and neighborhoods they serve.

“Joining with New Leaf will advance both companies’ missions and values, and creates smart scale on our own terms,” said New Seasons Market President and CEO Wendy Collie. “We see combining with this like-minded, B-Corp certified grocer as a way to grow thoughtfully and sustainably. As we learned about their history, their progressive business, their culture and mission, we realized they were a perfect match for New Seasons Market. Together, we can leverage the power of good, share best practices and strengthen our positions as independent natural grocers.”

The combined company will be based in Portland, Ore., and Collie will lead both companies. New Seasons Market will operate from Portland and New Leaf will operate from Santa Cruz with the founders and management team of New Leaf continuing to run their stores. To ensure a successful partnership, New Leaf Founder Scott Roseman will join New Seasons Market’s Board of Directors. Together, New Seasons Market and New Leaf are committed to an operating model that ensures each community-focused store makes local operating decisions and serves as a resource and partner to the customers, vendors and staff they serve.

“I can say with confidence that the same people at New Seasons Market and at New Leaf will continue to make operating and purchasing decisions on a local level, our values will remain the same and our commitments will stay unchanged,” said Collie.

“We are very excited to join with New Seasons Market,” said Roseman. “When we determined it was the right time to consider options to support healthy growth, we wanted to align with a company with a similar culture and values, and an authentic dedication to supporting local communities, local farmers and staff. New Seasons Market is that company.”

Together, the companies will gain long term benefits from collaboration and sharing best practices in a fast growing marketplace.  Over time, they will look for opportunities where their combined strength and scale can be leveraged, including providing farmers and local food producers new opportunities to grow their businesses, and giving staff more opportunities for professional advancement. 

New Seasons Market Co-founder and Board Chairman Stan Amy commented, “From the founding of New Seasons Market, we have had the goal of stable and sustainable growth that advances our values and benefits the community and the regional food economy while ensuring local focus and independence for the long haul. New Leaf is a terrific match for our values and mission. I have known of Scott Roseman’s work for nearly 20 years and have respected the company he’s built and their commitment to using the power of business to benefit his community and the local food economy.”

About New Seasons Market
Founded in 2000, New Seasons Market is a leader in the grocery industry and the first grocer in the world to become a certified B Corporation, which recognizes businesses that place as much value on taking care of their staff, the community and the environment as they do on growing and operating their business. Giving back to the community is a core value and part of New Season Market’s culture, demonstrated by the company’s commitment to giving 10 percent of its after-tax profits to hundreds of nonprofit organizations that work to end hunger, educate youth and protect the environment. In 2012 alone, the company donated to over 900 local nonprofits and community organizations. With nearly 2,700 employees, the independently owned grocery operates 13 stores in the Portland-Vancouver area, and is one of the Portland area’s largest private employers. Three additional stores are scheduled to open between fall 2014-spring 2015. Learn more at newseasonsmarket.com  

About New Leaf Community Markets

A natural grocery store with eight locations on the Central Coast of California, New Leaf has been serving the community for 28 years. New Leaf is committed to offering customers choices that have the most beneficial impact on their health, and the health of the environment. Helping customers make informed decisions is an integral part of this commitment. New Leaf's mission, to nourish and sustain our community, is reflected in the 10 percent of profits given annually to support local non-profits working to improve the quality of life. Connect with New Leaf at www.newleaf.com.

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