Green Grocer, Chicago, IL and Dallas, TX

1402 W Grand Ave. Chicago, IL 60642; 3614 Greenville Ave, Dallas, TX 75206

Website: http://www.greengrocerdallas.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/greengrocerdallas

Owner: Cassie Green

General Manager:

Founded in: The Chicago store was founded in 2008. The Dallas store was founded in 2013.

Organic Sales: Overall stores sales are 60-70% organic. Produce sales in Dallas are 100% organic. Produce sales in Chicago, where some local fruits vendors are not organic, are 90-95% organic.

Annual Sales: Less than $2.5 million a year.

GMO Practices

Manufacturer Communication

Green Grocer has a “Standards and Expectations” statement that Cassie sends to all manufacturers and vendors explaining the store’s stringent non-GMO and quality standards requirements, along with its preference for “supporting and furthering a sustainable, organic and regionally based food system.” The statement includes the message: “If you believe you are making a yummy product but are not necessarily fitting into our guidelines yet, please let us know how we can help you.” Cassie works with local vendors who want to go GMO-free. She helps pastured livestock vendors find sources for GMO-free feed. And she recently helped a local salsa maker find a source for hot peppers that are not packaged in canola oil - that vendor was able to switch to a canola-free product and also to substitute organic for non-organic tomatoes. Several manufacturers have also substituted organic corn ingredients in order to continue as a Green Grocer supplier.

Product Removal Process

The Chicago store went GMO- free in 2011.The Dallas store started out GMO-free. Cassie will immediately remove any item she finds that contains a suspect ingredient.

Labeling

Cassie uses product labeling as a way to share her thoughts on products and vendors she wants to support.