Welcome. I’m happy to share this Spring roundup of UNFI supplier news with you. I’d also like to remind you to visit our Supplier Support Site, another key resource for maximizing opportunities with us.
UNFI’S NEW DISTRIBUTION CENTERS
To support the growth in our industry, UNFI’s network of distribution centers continues to expand. Currently, we’re in the construction or planning phase of four best-in-class facilities that will help us:
- Provide more efficient service and speed to market
- Improve productivity through sophisticated warehouse and inventory control systems
- Increase capacity and product mix
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by being closer to our customers
Racine, Wisconsin―433,000 square feet, Pursuing LEED® Gold certification
- Initial purchase orders will be placed for Grocery and Non-Foods during the weeks of April 7th and April 14th. Frozen and Chill items will be ordered mid to late-May.
- Receiving will begin in early May
- Shipping will begin in mid-June
- The full realignment of our Midwest business will take place over a 3-4 month period
- EDI suppliers, be sure to have this facility properly set up in your system with new DUNNS numbers. Learn more here.
Hudson Valley, New York―508,000 square feet, Pursuing LEED® Gold certification
- Initial purchase orders will be place in early Summer, 2014. Stay tuned for more details.
- EDI suppliers, be sure to have this facility properly set up in your system with new DUNNS numbers. Learn more here.
- Green design includes: controlled lighting system to reduce the amount of time fixtures are on; low-flow toilet fixtures; 98% of construction debris recycled or reused off site
Prescott, Wisconsin―298,000 square feet, Pursuing LEED® Gold certification
- Opening expected Spring, 2015
- More details to come in future updates
Gilroy, California―433,000 square feet, Pursuing LEED® Gold certification
- Opening expected Summer, 2015
- More details to come in future updates
- Green design includes: gray water supplied by city of Gilroy to reduce amount of potable water; controlled lighting system to reduce the amount of time fixtures are on; energy management metering system to control peak demand
SUPPLIER RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT
Supplier Relationship Manager (SRM) Line Assignments Update
Click here for the latest SRM line assignments.
Product Movement Reporting―Update
In my January blog I announced our new Underperforming Items Report, the first step in a process where our goal is to collaborate more closely with you to address potentially challenging situations. We’ve been sharing the report since February, and there are a few key points I’d like to re-emphasize:
- The report is meant to generate a dialogue between you and your SRM
- Items on the report will not be automatically discontinued. It means that the level of product movement we’re experiencing may be an issue, and further attention is needed.
- We understand that an automated report will not identify all underperforming items or replace the need for close communication with your SRM
If you have any questions on the report, please contact your SRM.
New Items? Share Them With Us
I encourage you to present your new and innovative items to your SRM. First and foremost, we’re looking for on-trend, exciting items that we can promote with our Marketing Programs. So, whether you are a brand that consumers are already familiar with or new to the marketplace, please don’t hesitate to speak to your SRM.
Promotional Calendars
In order for UNFI to best support your promotions and provide the most accurate information to our customers, be sure to give your most up-to-date promotional calendar to your SRM. Having an annual promotional calendar on hand allows for an additional validation against any gaps in paperwork as well as the ability to ensure you’re getting the most out of the Marketing Programs we offer.
THRIVE / SUPPLY CHAIN TRANSFORMATION PROJECT
One of our most significant initiatives is a project we call Thrive, which will improve our processes and technologies for better supplier and customer experiences. Here’s the latest:
Inventory Optimization (IO)
Our advanced forecasting system for buying, known as Inventory Optimization (IO), will be deployed in the East Region this summer. IO is currently in use in the West Region. To learn how this transition impacts you, be sure to attend the IO Overview at our East Winter Holiday Tabletop Show in May.
New: Roadmap to Thrive
Click here to watch an interactive presentation on Thrive and see how we’re improving the way we buy, manage and deliver products. If you have any questions, email us.
INBOUND FREIGHT & LOGISTICS
Currently in use at a handful of our distribution centers, our new Master Scheduling Program will role out to all facilities by July. The program allows us to maintain our service levels across distribution centers by prioritizing delivery appointments.
UNFI-Managed Logistics
Consider switching from delivered pricing to UNFI-managed logistics, and let us handle moving your product to our distribution centers. We offer competitive freight rates for our extensive intermodal, over-the-road, dedicated fleet, LTL and cross-dock networks. Benefits include:
• Dedicated 365 day cross-dock program for Chill, Frozen and Dry
• National asset-based, best-in-class carriers with high-volume capacity commitments
• Extensive supply chain technology portfolio―network modeling to transportation management
• Focus on carbon footprint reduction and maintaining a sustainable environment
Thank you for your support of UNFI. Please feel free to reach out to me or your SRM with any questions and comments.
John Raiche
Vice President, Marketing
