Justine Griffin / Herald Tribune – Southwest Florida, already flush with new arrivals, is poised to welcome even more new grocery brands as companies out West continue to expand into the Southeast.

Retail analysts buzzed about Sprouts Farmers Market last month at the International Council of Shopping Centers RECON convention in Las Vegas.

The boutique-like grocery chain concept out of Arizona competes with Whole Foods Market and Trader Joe’s, and is now one of the fastest-growing retailers in the country with more than 170 stores in nine states.