BOULDER, Colo. -- Sunflower Farmers Markets, a rapidly growing organic and natural supermarket chain based here, said yesterday it plans to grow its store base in Utah and Colorado this year.

The retailer has executed its first four leases of 2008, for stores in Utah -- a new market for Sunflower -- as well as its home state of Colorado. Sunflower's two new Utah stores will be located in Murray and Orem.

Additionally, Sunflower has signed two leases in Littleton and Aurora, Colo.

The announcement comes just weeks after Sunflower announced completion of a $30 million venture capital deal, which will fund future growth.

"The new growth in Utah and Colorado is a great fit for Sunflower as far as lifestyles go," said Mike Gilliland, Sunflower's founder and c.e.o., in a statement. "Many residents focus on staying healthy and active, and Sunflower's vast selection of natural and organic products complement these lifestyles."

The company currently has 13 retail stores located in Denver; Fort Collins, Colo.; Phoenix, Tempe, Ariz.; Scottsdale, Ariz.; Tucson, Ariz.; Las Vegas; and Albuquerque, N.M., and has expansion plans for Texas and Utah.