Mission Statement, Vision, & Core Values of Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc. (NGVC)

Ever wondered what drives a successful natural and organic grocery retailer? What are the guiding principles behind Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc. (NGVC), that has led to $1.24 billion in net sales for fiscal year 2024, an increase of 8.9% compared to fiscal 2023?

Delve into the mission statement, vision, and core values that shape this unique company, which as of September 30, 2024, operates 169 stores across 21 states. How do these principles translate into their commitment to offering 100% USDA certified organic produce and exclusively pasture-raised, non-confinement dairy products?

Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc. (NGVC) An Overview of

Natural Grocers, trading as Vitamin Cottage, was founded in 1955 and is headquartered in Lakewood, Colorado. As of April 2025, the company operates over 167 stores across 21 states. Specializing in natural and organic groceries, dietary supplements, and body care products, Natural Grocers emphasizes nutritional education and sustainability.

Natural Grocers reported record-breaking revenue in fiscal year 2024, driven by strong performance in its core categories, including:

• Vitamins and Supplements: A significant portion of revenue comes from this category.
• Natural and Organic Groceries: Sales remain robust as consumer demand for healthier food options increases.

The company has also seen growth in its market share, attributed to its focus on quality, customer service, and community engagement. As of the latest financial reports in 2024, Natural Grocers continues to expand its footprint and enhance its online presence to meet evolving consumer needs.

Interested in learning more? Discover the story behind their success: Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc. (NGVC): History, Ownership, Mission, How It Works & Makes Money

Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc. (NGVC) Mission Statement

The mission statement of Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc. (NGVC) is: To provide consumers with the highest quality foods and dietary supplements available, along with nutrition education and affordable prices, while treating our employees, customers, community and planet with respect.

This mission statement reflects the company's commitment to several key areas:

• Quality Products: Offering high-quality foods and dietary supplements.
• Nutrition Education: Providing customers with nutrition education.
• Affordability: Ensuring products are available at affordable prices.
• Stakeholder Respect: Treating employees, customers, the community, and the planet with respect.

Each of these components plays a crucial role in defining and guiding the company’s operations and long-term goals.

Analysis of the Core Components

Highest Quality Foods and Dietary Supplements

Natural Grocers focuses on providing products that meet stringent quality standards. This includes sourcing organic and natural foods, as well as dietary supplements that are free from artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, and preservatives. As of the fiscal year 2024, the company reported that over 75% of its products are either organic or verified non-GMO, underscoring its dedication to quality.

The company's commitment to quality is further evidenced by its rigorous supplier selection process. Natural Grocers ensures that its suppliers adhere to the highest industry standards. They achieve this by conducting regular audits and assessments. In 2024, the company conducted over 200 supplier audits to ensure compliance with its quality standards.

This focus on quality extends to all areas of its product offerings, including:

• Produce: Prioritizing organic and locally sourced produce whenever possible.
• Supplements: Offering a wide range of high-quality vitamins, minerals, and herbal supplements.
• Grocery: Stocking shelves with natural and organic grocery items that meet strict ingredient standards.

Nutrition Education

A key component of Natural Grocers' mission is to empower customers with nutrition education. The company employs nutritional health coaches (NHCs) in each of its stores to provide free personalized nutrition guidance. In 2024, Natural Grocers provided over 50,000 free nutrition consultations to its customers.

Natural Grocers offers a variety of educational resources, including:

• In-store consultations: Free one-on-one sessions with Nutritional Health Coaches.
• Educational materials: Informative brochures, recipes, and articles on various health topics.
• Workshops and events: Free in-store workshops and events on topics such as healthy cooking, weight management, and disease prevention.

The company also leverages digital platforms to extend its reach, providing online resources, webinars, and social media content focused on nutrition and wellness. In 2024, their online educational content reached over 1 million individuals.

Affordable Prices

Natural Grocers is dedicated to making high-quality, nutritious food accessible to everyone by offering competitive prices. They achieve this through:

• Everyday Affordable Prices: Maintaining competitive prices on essential grocery items.
• Special Deals and Discounts: Providing regular discounts and promotional offers through its loyalty program, {N}Power.
• Bulk Buying Options: Offering bulk purchasing options to customers, resulting in cost savings.

The company's commitment to affordability is reflected in its gross profit margin, which, while competitive, is carefully managed to provide value to customers. In fiscal year 2024, Natural Grocers reported a gross profit margin of 27.5%, balancing profitability with affordability.

Stakeholder Respect

Natural Grocers' mission extends beyond its products and customers to encompass its employees, community, and the planet. This commitment is demonstrated through several initiatives:

• Employee Welfare: Providing employees with competitive wages, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional development. In 2024, the company invested over $5 million in employee training and development programs.
• Community Engagement: Supporting local communities through donations, sponsorships, and volunteer efforts. Natural Grocers donates 5% of pre-tax profits annually to support community initiatives.
• Environmental Stewardship: Implementing sustainable practices to minimize its environmental impact. This includes reducing waste, conserving energy, and promoting sustainable agriculture. In 2024, the company reduced its carbon footprint by 15% through various sustainability initiatives.

For further insights into the company's financial health, explore: Breaking Down Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc. (NGVC) Financial Health: Key Insights for Investors

Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc. (NGVC) Vision Statement

The vision of Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc. (NGVC) reflects its overarching aspirations and long-term goals. Understanding this vision provides insight into the company's strategic direction and priorities. For more background, you can explore: Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc. (NGVC): History, Ownership, Mission, How It Works & Makes Money

While specific details of the vision statement may evolve, it generally encompasses key areas that drive the company's growth and impact:

• Health and Wellness: NGVC aims to be a trusted resource for customers seeking to improve their health through natural and organic products.
• Community Engagement: The company focuses on building strong relationships with local communities by supporting local farmers and suppliers.
• Sustainability: NGVC is committed to environmentally sustainable practices, including reducing waste and promoting responsible sourcing.
• Nutritional Education: A core aspect of the vision involves educating customers and the broader community about nutrition and healthy living.

NGVC's financial performance often aligns with its vision. For example, increased sales of organic products reflect a growing customer base interested in health and wellness. Investment in sustainable practices can lead to long-term cost savings and enhanced brand reputation.

As of the fiscal year 2024, Natural Grocers reported total sales of $1.2 billion, a 9.5% increase compared to the previous year. This growth is indicative of the increasing consumer demand for natural and organic products, aligning with the company's vision of promoting health and wellness. The company also opened 4 new stores, expanding its reach and community engagement efforts.

Several strategic initiatives support NGVC's vision:

• Store Expansion: Opening new stores in strategic locations allows NGVC to reach more customers and expand its community engagement.
• Product Innovation: Introducing new and innovative natural and organic products caters to evolving customer needs and preferences.
• Educational Programs: Offering nutritional education programs and resources reinforces NGVC's commitment to customer well-being.
• Supply Chain Optimization: Improving supply chain efficiency ensures product availability and reduces environmental impact.

In 2024, NGVC invested $15 million in capital expenditures, primarily focused on new store development and supply chain improvements. These investments reflect a commitment to long-term growth and operational efficiency, supporting the company's vision of sustainability and community engagement.

Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc. (NGVC) Core Values of

At Natural Grocers, a commitment to core values shapes every aspect of their business, influencing how they interact with customers, employees, and the environment. These values reflect a dedication to quality, health, and community, which are integral to the company's mission and vision.

Commitment to Employees

Natural Grocers demonstrates a strong commitment to its employees, recognizing them as essential to the company’s success. This commitment is reflected in various initiatives and benefits aimed at fostering a positive and supportive work environment.

• Competitive Wages and Benefits: Natural Grocers provides its employees with competitive wages and a comprehensive benefits package. This includes health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans, ensuring financial security and well-being for its workforce.
• Employee Training and Development: The company invests in employee training and development programs to enhance their skills and knowledge. These programs not only improve job performance but also offer opportunities for career advancement within the organization.
• Promoting from Within: Natural Grocers prioritizes promoting from within, giving employees opportunities to grow and take on leadership roles. This approach fosters loyalty and motivation among staff members, as they see clear paths for advancement.
• Creating a Supportive Work Environment: Natural Grocers strives to create a supportive and inclusive work environment where employees feel valued and respected. This includes promoting open communication, teamwork, and a culture of appreciation.

These efforts collectively contribute to a motivated and skilled workforce, which in turn enhances the customer experience and drives the company's success. Exploring Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc. (NGVC) Investor Profile: Who’s Buying and Why?

Nutritional Education

Nutritional Education is a cornerstone of Natural Grocers' mission, setting it apart in the retail landscape. The company is deeply committed to empowering customers with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their health.

• Free Nutrition Education Programs: Natural Grocers offers a variety of free nutrition education programs, including in-store classes, workshops, and one-on-one consultations with Nutritional Health Coaches. These programs cover a wide range of topics, from understanding food labels to managing specific health conditions through diet.
• Nutritional Health Coaches: Each Natural Grocers store has qualified Nutritional Health Coaches who provide personalized guidance and support to customers. These coaches are trained to offer evidence-based advice on diet, supplements, and lifestyle choices.
• Informative Resources: Natural Grocers provides a wealth of informative resources, including articles, recipes, and educational materials, both in-store and online. These resources are designed to help customers stay informed about the latest research and best practices in nutrition.
• Commitment to Transparency: Natural Grocers is committed to transparency in its product offerings, providing detailed information about ingredients, sourcing, and potential health benefits. This helps customers make confident choices based on their individual needs and preferences.

Through these initiatives, Natural Grocers not only sells natural and organic products but also equips its customers with the knowledge to lead healthier lives, reinforcing its role as a trusted resource for health and wellness.

Highest Quality Standards

Natural Grocers maintains the highest quality standards across all its operations, ensuring that customers receive only the best products. This commitment to quality is evident in its rigorous selection process, sustainable practices, and dedication to transparency.

• Stringent Product Selection: Natural Grocers has a strict product selection process, prioritizing natural, organic, and non-GMO products. The company carefully evaluates each product to ensure it meets its high standards for quality, purity, and sustainability.
• Commitment to Organic: Natural Grocers is deeply committed to organic farming practices, recognizing the benefits for both human health and the environment. The company actively supports organic farmers and suppliers, ensuring a steady supply of high-quality organic products.
• Sustainable Practices: Natural Grocers is dedicated to sustainable practices throughout its supply chain, from sourcing ingredients to packaging and transportation. This includes reducing waste, conserving energy, and supporting environmentally responsible suppliers.
• Transparency and Traceability: Natural Grocers provides transparency and traceability for its products, allowing customers to know where their food comes from and how it was produced. This includes detailed labeling, ingredient information, and sourcing details.

By adhering to these quality standards, Natural Grocers builds trust with its customers and reinforces its commitment to providing products that are both healthy and sustainable.

Affordability

Natural Grocers is dedicated to making healthy, high-quality food accessible to everyone through its commitment to affordability. This dedication is reflected in various strategies aimed at keeping prices competitive without compromising on quality.

• Everyday Affordable Prices: Natural Grocers strives to offer everyday affordable prices on its products, ensuring that customers can access healthy food options without breaking the bank. This includes negotiating favorable prices with suppliers and passing those savings on to customers.
• Special Discounts and Promotions: The company regularly offers special discounts and promotions on a variety of products, providing additional opportunities for customers to save money. These promotions are designed to make healthy food more accessible to a wider range of shoppers.
• Bulk Buying Options: Natural Grocers offers bulk buying options on many of its products, allowing customers to purchase larger quantities at discounted prices. This is particularly beneficial for families and individuals who consume large amounts of certain staples.
• Nutritional Education to Maximize Value: By providing nutritional education, Natural Grocers helps customers make informed choices that maximize the value of their food purchases. This includes teaching customers how to prepare healthy meals on a budget and how to select nutrient-dense foods that offer the most nutritional bang for their buck.

Through these efforts, Natural Grocers demonstrates its commitment to making healthy food affordable and accessible to all, reinforcing its position as a trusted and value-driven retailer.

Environmental Sustainability

Natural Grocers integrates environmental sustainability into its core operations, demonstrating a strong commitment to protecting the planet. This commitment is evident in various initiatives aimed at reducing waste, conserving resources, and promoting sustainable practices.

• Reducing Waste: Natural Grocers implements various strategies to reduce waste, including recycling programs, composting initiatives, and efforts to minimize packaging. The company also encourages customers to bring their own reusable bags and containers.
• Conserving Resources: Natural Grocers conserves resources by using energy-efficient lighting and equipment, reducing water consumption, and sourcing products from sustainable suppliers. The company also promotes sustainable transportation options for employees and customers.
• Sustainable Building Practices: Natural Grocers incorporates sustainable building practices into its store design and construction, using eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient technologies. This includes using recycled materials, installing solar panels, and implementing green building standards.
• Supporting Sustainable Suppliers: Natural Grocers actively supports suppliers who share its commitment to environmental sustainability. This includes sourcing products from organic farmers, fair trade organizations, and companies that prioritize environmental responsibility.

Through these comprehensive efforts, Natural Grocers demonstrates its dedication to environmental stewardship and reinforces its role as a leader in sustainable retailing.