Seattle, Washington, PCC (Puget Consumer Coop) location

PCC Natural Markets Sets Standard for Organic and Non-GMO Grocery Stores

There’s no elaborate formula that results in being selected “Best Grocery Store in Seattle.” According to Trudy Bialic, director of public affairs for PCC Natural Markets, the more than 30 accolades result from carefully listening to consumers and acting in their interest.

August 25, 2016 | Source: The Organic & Non-GMO Report | by Arianne Pfoutz

There’s no elaborate formula that results in being selected “Best Grocery Store in Seattle.” According to Trudy Bialic, director of public affairs for PCC Natural Markets, the more than 30 accolades result from carefully listening to consumers and acting in their interest.

“We’re obligated to the consumers who own our business, not to manufacturers or venture backers,” Bialic says. “That allows us to be nimble about what who we are and what we sell.”

It’s also helped earn the Seattle-based 11-store chain the distinction of being the largest consumer-owned retail grocer in the United States, with 1,550 employees and more than 56,000 member households.

PCC originated as a food buying club for 15 families in 1953 and opened its first storefront as Puget Consumers Coop in 1967. Member-owned-and-operated, all the profits return to the business, shoppers and communities. Robust food bank and scrip programs, cooking and nutrition classes, advocacy and consumer education …the focus is on providing and celebrating high quality food, encouraging sustainable agriculture, and educating consumers about the impacts of their food choices.

95 percent of produce is organic

Keeping a close finger on the pulse of shoppers—and respecting their wants—PCC propelled creation of an organic egg and dairy market in Washington and was the first retail business partner with Monterey Bay Aquarium for a sustainable seafood program, while cementing a staunch commitment to certified organic and non-GMO products.

“We emphasize organic over local,” Bialic said. “Having both is ideal but transportation accounts for only 11 percent of greenhouse emissions associated with food for the average American household. Final delivery from producer to retail contributes only 4 percent — so ‘food miles’ alone are not as important to sustainability as how food is grown.”

A full 95 percent of PCC’s produce is organic, and all fresh meat and poultry is from animals with outdoor access, if not open range or pasture, and all but one brand in the meat department is Certified Organic or Non-GMO Project Verified. Sustainable and healthy seafood is the standard—no swordfish, mackerel or shark is sold at PCC because of high mercury or PCB levels. Even its canned and jarred fish meets Monterey Bay Aquarium standards for sustainability, and PCC standards to avoid human slavery in the fishing industry. The deli chefs create fresh dishes made with organic or mostly organic ingredients.