About Us

Mohammad Al-Heeti, the proud owner of Strawberry Fields and World Harvest, moved to Champaign-Urbana in 1982. He left Iraq and moved to Illinois with his pregnant wife after receiving a scholarship to attend the University’s Ph.D. program in Plant Pathology. After finishing his program, the Champaign resident contemplated staying in the area or returning to his home country. But as he looked at his young daughter, he knew the move would be difficult. Al-Heeti had an educational portfolio of agriculture expertise. He previously obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Plant Protection in Agriculture and a Master’s in Plant Pathology at the University of Baghdad, graduating at the top of his class. But 30 years later, he has taken on a different route. Al-Heeti made himself into a local entrepreneur, currently owning Strawberry Fields Natural Food Market and World Harvest International & Gourmet Foods.

At World Harvest International and Gourmet Foods and Strawberry Fields Natural Food Market, we want to be your source for natural, organic and local products. As Champaign-Urbana’s first and finest international and gourmet market, we care about the quality of our goods, the quality of our service and the quality of our community.

We are proud to offer the residents of Champaign-Urbana a taste of the world in their own backyard. When you walk into World Harvest and Strawberry Fields, you are immediately greeted by an assortment of international products.

We stock natural and organic groceries, bulk foods, frozen and refrigerated, fresh baked bread & pastries, made fresh daily salads and sandwiches gourmet coffee & teas, local and organic produce, vitamins and supplements, and products for home and body.

What makes World Harvest and Strawberry Fields special isn’t the products on the shelves, but the effect these products have on our customers.

Our customers find products that no one else in Central Illinois, and often beyond, offers. We strive to find a piece of home for each and every one of our customers. As a result, our store’s line of products grows and changes daily to reflect the tastes and ethnicities of Champaign-Urbana’s residents.

Our commitment to excellence extends beyond our store’s shelves. We understand the importance of a strong community and we are dedicated to helping. We have worked to raise money for local schools, and given to causes promoting cultural understanding, disaster relief, as well as other causes important to our customers and staff.

We are loyal to our customers, and our loyalty shows. We thank our loyal customer base for our growth, and we look forward to serving our community and customers for years to come.