Core Insights - Amazon is integrating Whole Foods' workforce into its own systems as part of Project Cremini, aiming to unify over 100,000 employees by next year [1][3][12] - This integration will standardize performance reviews, workplace tools, and payroll for all Whole Foods employees, aligning them more closely with Amazon's operations [2][3] - The initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance growth at Whole Foods, which has faced challenges since its $13.7 billion acquisition in 2017 [3][10] Company Strategy - Whole Foods CEO Jason Buechel is leading the integration efforts, promoting a "One Grocery" mindset to streamline operations and reduce internal bureaucracy [4][6] - Amazon's grocery business now serves over 150 million customers and has seen significant growth in everyday essentials, which grew nearly twice as fast as other categories in the U.S. in the first half of 2025 [5][13] - The consolidation of vendor-management teams aims to create a single, efficient grocery business, projected to generate at least $94 million in additional profit [7][8] Operational Changes - Amazon has launched an internal project called "Fusion" to deliver grocery products from both Fresh and Whole Foods stores, enhancing operational efficiency [8] - A new Whole Foods store concept has been introduced, featuring everyday items alongside organic goods, further aligning the two businesses [9] - Employees are encouraged to adopt a "one grocery mindset," with Buechel using a "flying formation" metaphor to emphasize the importance of interconnectedness within the grocery business [11][12] Financial Performance - Amazon's grocery and everyday goods business generated over $100 billion in gross merchandise sales in the past year, with a notable portion from nonperishable items [13] - Online grocery customers exhibit higher shopping frequency and return rates compared to those purchasing nonperishable goods, indicating a shift in consumer behavior [13]