Giffnock goes gaga for taste of America

AS BEFITS a temple to quality organic produce, the first Whole Foods Market in Scotland was opened not with the traditional cutting of a ribbon but by the breaking of bread.

To the sound of beating drums and the skirl of the bagpipes, an 8ft long loaf of bread was ripped apart, signalling the moment yesterday morning when the gathered faithful could flock in and worship squid rings, wild mallard duck and a dozen varieties of potato.

Since the first store’s launch in Austin, Texas in 1981, Whole Foods Market has become a phenomenon in the United States, pioneering ethical and environmental shopping and, along the way, gathering a host of celebrity fans such as Sandra Bullock and Megan Fox as well as, in a nod to its prices, the monicker “Whole Pay cheque”.

The company has dipped into its own pockets first, investing £4.5 million in renovating a former Safeway store in Giffnock, the affluent area on the south side of Glasgow.

Yesterday, about 600 local residents watched the opening ceremony before streaming into what one described as “the most beautiful supermaket” she had ever seen.

An avenue of potatoes – Arran Victory and Belle de Fontenay “perfect for steaming and boiling” among the myriad varieties – gave way to 16 pots of guacamole glistening on a bed of ice.

Nearby, the fruit and vegetables appeared to have been arranged by a Hollywood set designer and lit in such a way as to pulse with goodness.

Further along, the fish counter displayed not only tantalising treats from the sea, but a series of red, yellow and green symbols detailing their abundance and the method by which they were caught.

As Jeff Turnas, the company’s UK region president, explained: “This is a place where you can shop with your conscience intact. Whole Foods Market is principled, thought-provoking, great tasting, community-led and an inspiring place to shop.”

The opening ceremony was attended by Richard Lochhead, MSP and rural affairs and environment secretary, who praised the store for stocking more than 400 Scottish items and produce. “They have found a natural home in Scotland,” he said.

For Sharon Broadkey, 34, who was shopping with daughter Lily-Rose, three, the quality of the produce posed an unexpected problem. She said: “I love to cook, and I don’t think I will ever cook again, I’ll just keep coming here because the food is so nice.”

Customers wishing to avoid using their ovens can choose instead from an array of freshly-made soups, including cullen skink, rotisserie meals, burritos, the “Philly” cheese steak sandwich and an extensive collection of sushi. The self-serve hot food bar also includes fish and chips and a crofters pie made with haggis.

For Sheena Fraser, who has managed to manoeuvre a little black tug-along trolleys as well as hold on to her two-year-old daughter Emily and shop, all while her other daughter Abby, two months, slumbers in her baby sling, Whole Foods is a blessing.

The whole family eats organically and, previously, she frequently shopped at farmers’ markets, but has recently found that supplies have dwindled.

“That’s it, we’re giving up Tesco. It may be more expensive but I don’t care, it is just fantastic here. The baby uses bio-degradable nappies and they even have them in stock.”

The lustrous beauty of the displays will, she believes, entice children to eat more healthily.

“Whole Foods is fantastic for children. They want to pick up the fruit and vegetables and this will get them interested. It is so important to get children interested in the food they eat. I think the store is wonderful.”