October 2017 Supplier Community Update

Supplier Management (SM) Updates

UNFI is pleased to announce the following new team members, team member roles, and organizational structure changes.  An updated list of UNFI Supplier Managers (SMs), contact info, line and category assignments can be found here on UNFI’s Supplier Support Site.

New Team Members 

Jacob Rusanov, Supplier Manager, Medford, NJ.  Prior to UNFI, Jacob worked for KeHe and Wakefern specializing in Ethnic, Kosher, and Specialty Category Management.  Jacob reports to Joseph Roy and is responsible for Kosher and Spices & Seasonings.

Tracy Dearborn, Supplier Manager, Chesterfield, NH.  Tracy has been with UNFI for the past 4 years working with our Inventory Planning and Replenishment (IPAR) team as a Buyer.  Tracy reports to Greg Esslinger, and is responsible for Cheese & Cheese Alternatives, Refrigerated Dairy/NonDairy Desserts, Nutritional Bars, Yogurt & Cultured Beverages, and Frozen Breakfast.

Joe Johnson, Supplier Manager, Rocklin, CA.  Joe has been with UNFI for the past 2 years working with our IPAR team as a Buyer.  Joe reports to Richard Bruns, and is responsible for Plant-based Beverages, Breakfast Snacks, Toaster Pastries & Fruit Snacks, Cold & Hot Cereal, Cocoa & Milk Flavorings, Coffee, and Creamers & Accessories.

Don Jenks, Supplier Manager, Chesterfield, NH.  Don has been with UNFI for the past 10 years working with our IPAR team as a Buyer.  Don reports to Greg Esslinger and is responsible for Refrigerated Dairy & NonDairy Cream and Creamers, Frozen Bread & Baked Goods, Desserts, and In-Store Deli.

Katherine Dickerson, Support Coordinator, Rocklin, CA.  Katherine has been with UNFI for the past 7 years working with our Costing & Coding team.  Katherine reports to Sandra Meyer and supports Laura Russo, Capri Miller, Jessica Clancy, and Joe Johnson.

Taya Garabedian, Support Coordinator, Providence, RI.  Prior to UNFI, Taya worked for Certified Disaster Restoration for 5 years as a Bookkeeper/Office Manager.  Taya reports to Sandra Meyer and supports Lisa Gaeta and Melissa Ricardy.

New Roles 

Melissa Ricardy, Rocklin, CA, has taken on a new Supplier Management role with our ClearVue team reporting to Meagan Kessel.  Melissa has worked for UNFI for the past 5.5 years.

Tracy French, Providence, RI, has been promoted to Supplier Manager reporting to Lisa Madsen.  Tracy has been with UNFI for the past 4 years, most recently as Associate Supplier Manager.  Tracy will manage Wellness Categories with a heavy focus on VMS.

Kimberlee Prata, Providence, RI, has been promoted to Supplier Manager reporting to Maureen Hines.  Kimberlee has been with UNFI for the past 5 years, most recently as Associate Supplier Manager.  Kimberlee will manage the Hispanic, British/Irish, Soup, Rice Cakes/Tortillas, Legumes, and the Canned Meat & Fish categories.

Daniel Murphy, Providence, RI, has been promoted to Associate Supplier Manager, reporting to Lisa Madsen.  Daniel has been with UNFI for the past 3 years, most recently as an Onboarding Specialist.  Daniel will be responsible for some of our Wellness categories.

Greg Esslinger, Chesterfield, NH, has been promoted to National Group Manager reporting to Melissa Angle.  Greg has been with UNFI for the past 9 years, most recently as Supplier Manager.  Reporting to Greg are Melissa Farkas, Jared Clark, Tracy Dearborn, and Don Jenks.

Allison Hughes, Providence, RI, has been promoted to Onboarding Specialist reporting to Julie Roper.  Allison has been with UNFI for the past 6 years, most recently as Support Coordinator.

Nick Fontaine, Providence, RI, has been promoted to Onboarding Specialist reporting to Julie Roper.  Nick has been with UNFI for the past 3 years, most recently as Support Coordinator.

New Organizational Structure

To follow up from our previous announcement regarding the Medford, NJ Supplier Management team build-out, all folks below will report to Joseph Roy, and have been assigned the following categories:

John Spitzkopf, Supplier Manager: Grocery Grains, Prepared Sauces, and Sandwich Spreads.

Melissa Carpineto, Supplier Manager: Grocery Accoutrements, Croutons & Salad Accents, Oils, Salad Dressings, and Dried Potatoes & Stuffing Mixes.

Kristen Hayden, Associate Supplier Manager: Grocery: Apple Sauce, Baking & Cake Decorating, Batters & Coatings, Canned Fruits & Vegetables, Shelf Stable Milk, and Honey & Syrups.

Inventory Planning and Replenishment (IPAR) Updates

An updated list of UNFI Inventory Planning and Replenishment contacts and assignments can be found here on UNFI’s Supplier Support Site.

UNFI Education Series – Reporting

We have recently added two more installments of our Supplier Education Series, Underperforming Items Report 101 and Reporting 101.  Visit UNFI’s Supplier Support Site to access the series.

UNFI Pacific Sales Team Update

Ben Thompson has been promoted to Sales Director, Pacific Northwest.  Ben has been with UNFI for over 7 years in roles of increasing responsibility.

David Chavez will move into the Sales Director, Foodservice position.  David has also been with UNFI for over 7 years and is an expert on Foodservice sales.

Steve Brancamp will transition into Sales Director, Bay Area/Northern California, while Tom Robbins will take on the additional responsibility of the Central Valley.

Rich Massoni is retiring in the Fall and moving to Tennessee to live near his children.  Rich joined UNFI through the Tony’s Fine Foods acquisition and has over 34 years with us.  We thank Rich for his contributions, and wish him the best.

eCommerce Organization Update

Alyssa Carter has joined UNFI as Sales Director, Digital Commerce, reporting to Kirsten Hogan.  Alyssa will support our sales efforts within the channel along with the HG Delivers initiative that PJ Stafford leads.  Reporting to Alyssa are Ray Castillo, Channel Account Manager (CAM), Julian Emerich, CAM, Chad Moore, CAM, Ashley Jones, Sales Coordinator, and Carrie Ellis, CAM for Amazon.

PJ Stafford, our VP of eCommerce, will continue to report directly to Kirsten Hogan.  PJ’s primary responsibilities center around building out our HG Delivers model across the country, working with our platform provider partners to assist our customers in building out their aisle capabilities, and driving eCommerce forward through a variety of marketplace opportunities.  PJ’s direct reports are Kristy Dolph, eCommerce Analyst, and two additional positions that will be filled soon.

Updated Pack Change Policy

On November 1st, 2017, the below Pack Change Fees will take effect:

Supplier Days Notice	With Ad Agreement	Without Ad Agreement
90 Days or Greater	$150	$300
60-89 Days	$200	$400
30-59 Days	$300	$600
Fewer than 30 Days	$500	$1,000
No Notice	$1,000	$2,000
The above charges are per Item, per DC

A pack change is defined as any one, or more, of the following:

• Change to Case Pack
• Change in Retail UPC Code
• Change in Brand Name
• Change in Unit Size, except an increase in an amount less than one ounce.
• Change in organic status.  A change from organic to non-organic status will also require a new UPC code.
• Change in description that is materially different from the original description. 
• Change in ingredients.  Any ingredient change that adds or removes an allergen as set forth in the FDA allergen list must be assigned a new UNFI product number.  Any ingredient change that may cause a material change to the product will be reviewed for a possible UNFI product number change.

2018 UNFI Showcases

We are happy to introduce UNFI’s new tabletop experience with our 2018 UNFI Showcases. With a new show for the Central region, two returning shows, and a brand new location for our North Atlantic show, you can expect more retailers, more selling, and more to experience than ever before. See below for official show dates and contact your SM to find out how to register today!

SOUTH ATLANTIC SHOWCASE Loews Sapphire Falls | Orlando, FL February 20-21, 2018	CENTRAL SHOWCASE La Crosse Center | La Crosse, WI May 9-10, 2018
PACIFIC SHOWCASE LB Convention Center | Long Beach, CA June 20-21, 2018	NORTH ATLANTIC SHOWCASE Mohegan Sun | Uncasville, CT October 2-4, 2018

Growing Your Foodservice Business

UNFI wants to help you grow in the foodservice channel.  We are creating three informational sheets to help you understand the best ways to grow in this segment.  Subjects include understanding the UNFI foodservice customer, planning an effective foodservice sales and marketing strategy, and building effective foodservice promotions.  You can access these on UNFI’s Supplier Support Site on October 13th.

Marketing Opportunities

For more information on the programs below, reach out to your SM or Alana Mahdalik at amahdalik@unfi.com or visit the UNFI’s Supplier Support Site.

Digital HEALTHY Clippings® Click to Print Coupons

Feature your best sellers or newest items to gain consumers for trial through one of our newest marketing programs.

Truck Fleet Advertising

UNFI has a fleet of over 1,000 trailers all over the country.   Market your brand on the road by reaching millions of consumers directly.

New Wellness Monthly Focus Program

UNFI is introducing a new program in January 2018 focused on Supplements and Personal Care brands to bring more Wellness focused promotions to Retailers.

Participate in the National Organic Standards Board Process

The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) will convene in Jacksonville, Florida October 31st- November 2nd, 2017.  The NOSB meeting is open to the public, and participants are invited to provide oral comments during one of two sessions.  You can register to provide comments during the webinar or register online to provide oral public comments at the meeting.

What’s on the Agenda for the next meeting?

The major topic for this meeting will be the 2019 Sunset Material review and vote.  Also up for discussion is the allowance of hydroponics in organic production, strengthening the requirements for organic seed, the use of biodegradable bio-based mulch, defining emergency treatment for organic livestock production, the conversion of native ecosystems, organic inspector qualifications, and organic research priorities.

UNFI Next

UNFI Next is the Pipeline Pioneer for Future Growth!  This program is for early phase suppliers that are not currently in distribution at UNFI and are building their brands and placements at retail.  Our Regional Supplier Development Managers are strategically located in markets throughout the US, and are continuously seeking new brands.  We strive to offer a high level of support, education, and mentorship as well as a concierge experience throughout a brand’s onboarding and growth at UNFI.

The product and brand criteria to define an Emerging Brand for UNFI Next are as follows:

• New to UNFI     
• Offer something unique or innovative to the category
• On trend, or trendsetting
• Early phase development
• Seeking regional distribution

Please contact the applicable contact below for more information:

• Northeast – Darla Snyder DLSnyder@unfi.com
• Mid-West – Rebecca S. Quinn-Herich rquinnherich@unfi.com
• Central - Suman Lawrence slawrence@unfi.com
• Southwest – Beril Ancel BAncel@unfi.com
• PacNW – Jen Pletscher JPletscher@unfi.com
• All Other – Wendy Savoie, wsavoie@unfi.com

July 2017 Supplier Community Update

UNFI Supplier Management Contacts

An updated list of UNFI Supplier Managers (SMs), contact info, line and category assignments can be found here on UNFI’s Supplier Support Site.

UNFI Education Series – Marketing and Inventory Planning and Replenishment

We have recently added two more installments of our Supplier Education Series, Part Three - Marketing and Part Four - Inventory Planning and Replenishment.  Our next two topics will be an analysis of the Underperforming Items Report followed by UNFI Reporting Options – be on the lookout!  Visit UNFI’s Supplier Support Site to access the series.

UNFI Inventory Planning and Replenishment (IPAR) Update

All of the Whole Foods Mid Atlantic business that was previously served from our Greenwood, IN distribution center (DC) has been moved to our York, PA location.  This consolidates the Mid Atlantic region into one DC.

The Richburg, SC distribution center’s customers in Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan have been moved to the Greenwood, IN DC to provide better delivery service.

Please contact your Supplier Manager with any questions.

New National Vice President of Purchasing

UNFI is pleased to announce that Erin Egan has joined UNFI as National Vice President of Purchasing based out of Providence, RI.  In this role, Erin is responsible for all inventory management and purchasing functions with the IPAR directors, Purchasing Managers, and Buying Teams rolling up to her.  Erin can be reached at eegan@unfi.com.

UNFI Accounts Payable Update

UNFI’s Accounts Payable Department has been transitioning to a centralized group located in Rhode Island.  Unfortunately, during the transition we have found gaps in processing and are now quickly remediating the issues.  To return to normal processing levels we have increased our staff significantly.  We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience.

The centralized Accounts Payable Department will allow for a single point of contact and consistent processing eliminating East or West distinctions.  More information will be coming soon, but in the meantime, continue to submit invoices as usual.

Please contact Alicia Rusconi at arusconi@unfi.com or (401) 528-8634 ext. 32181 with any questions or concerns.

UNFI Tabletop Show Update

UNFI’s Winter and Spring Recap

Our 2017 Tabletop Shows have brought together customers and suppliers from UNFI, UNFI Next, Albert’s Organics, Select Nutrition, Tony’s Fine Foods, and NorCal Produce, giving retailers the opportunity to drive growth throughout their store and take advantage of new, growing markets.

We experienced record-breaking customer attendance at each Tabletop Show with nearly 600 customers at the Orlando Show, over 1,500 customers at the Foxwoods Show, and over 1,400 customers at the Pacific Region Show.  The new location of the Long Beach Convention Center for the Pacific Region Tabletop Show was a huge success as we were able to present an expansive, categorized show floor to enhance our retailers’ experience.

UNFI Specialty Selling Show at Mohegan Sun this October!

In the tradition of the annual Haddon House Fall Show, UNFI is hosting a Specialty Selling Show at Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, CT on October 4-5, 2017.  Suppliers will have the opportunity to engage with retailers, sample their items, and negotiate show deals.  We anticipate more than 300 exhibitors and approximately 400 customers.

Please contact your Supplier Manager for more information.

B-Corp, Women-Owned, Minority-Owned, and Other Special Certifications

UNFI is developing a list of the special certifications held by our suppliers.  Specifically, we would like to capture if you are:

• Certified B-Corp
• Certified Women-Owned
• Certified Minority-Owned

If you have such a certification, please send a copy to suppliercertifications@unfi.com.  Some of our retailers are looking for suppliers that have one or more of these certifications.

UNFI and Albert’s Organics: Fresh Update

UNFI is continuing to expand the availability of Fresh products inside UNFI Broadline Distribution Centers as part of a multi-year effort.  Coupled with this expansion, Albert’s Organics will also begin to carry conventional produce in the near future.  Please continue to operate as normal with each business unit until further notice.  Additional information regarding this expansion will be provided in the coming months.

Seasonal Essentials

Selling the Five Retail Seasons

Consumer behavior and buying patterns change five times each year following the seasons: Winter, Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Holiday.  UNFI’s new Seasonal Essentials program engages Retailers and the UNFI Sales Team with the best products for seasonally themed promotions.  The Winter Edition will be distributed in early October and will include products for January, February, and March retail promotions.  Contact your Supplier Manager for more information.

Foodservice Marketing Programs for 2018

The UNFI Marketing Team has completed an in-depth analysis of our Foodservice customers. There are three distinct customer groups, each with different needs:

• Distributors and Vending Companies
• Colleges and Universities
• Restaurants (ie Juice Bars, Delis, Cafés, Coffeehouses, Vegetarian and Organic Restaurants)

Our Foodservice Marketing Programs provide relevant and valuable information for each group.

• Grab ‘n Go Catalogs, targeted to each group: Advertising available in all versions for maximum exposure.
• NEW Restaurant Supplies Catalog: Program targeted to customers who buy “back of the house” products such as bulk foods, ingredients, paper products, and cleaning supplies.
• Get It While It’s Hot Foodservice Magazine: Published six times per year, printed, and mailed directly to Foodservice customers.
• Segmented Monthly E-Mail Marketing: E-mail blast segmented according to the three major groups detailed above with targeted information for each.
• Customer Portal Banner Ads: This program will continue as-is.

Cross-media marketing packages are available.  Contact your SM for more information.

Organic News at USDA

If you are an organic farmer, manufacturer, or handler there is something for you at the USDA.  They offer many resources to help you navigate the roadmap to a successful business.  To stay abreast of current news sign up for the “Organic Insider”, an e-mail notification service that the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program uses to send out program updates to the organic community.  Learn more and sign up here.

National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) Meeting This Fall

Twice a year, the NOSB meets to listen to public comments, discuss specific items pertaining to organic agriculture, and vote on recommendations to the USDA.  Every meeting is open to the public. Many inputs used in manufacturing and farming periodically “sunset” or are removed from the allowed list unless the industry provides comments on their importance.

The Fall 2017 NOSB meeting will be held October 31, 2017 - November 2, 2017 at the Omni Jacksonville Hotel in Florida.  During this meeting, the Board will discuss various important topics, such as hydroponics and changes to the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances.  For information about how to submit comments, both oral and written, and to access the meeting materials, please visit Fall 2017 NOSB Meeting Fall 2017 NOSB Meeting.  Don’t miss the opportunity to comment, the deadline is October 11, 2017, 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. 

Competitive Freight Rates

Let UNFI handle getting your products to our distribution centers. We offer competitive, national freight rates and a dedicated truck fleet to all of our warehouses.  Some advantages of using UNFI’s Freight Service include:

• We take ownership of your product at the moment we pick it up
• We pay the unloading and appointment fees for you
• We plan the fastest, most cost effective way to move your products
• We have state-of-the-art supply chain technology for highest quality control

For more details, please e-mail Jennifer Leite at Ship4U@unfi.com.

April 2017 Supplier Community Update

National Supplier Management (SM) Team Updates

As we continue to streamline our Supplier Management team, we have some additions and changes to share with you.

Mark Hackenberry has taken on the role of Vice President of Southern Cross.  With this change, Melissa Angle will now oversee the Gourmet & Ethnic Supplier Management team and the Medford, NJ Supplier Management Team.  Melissa’s direct reports include:  Meagan Kessel, Maureen Hines, Lisa Madsen, Richard Bruns, Joseph Roy, John Jablonowski, Frank Zacharewicz, Nancy Semmelrock, Dan Bowersett and Alana Mahdalik.

John Jablonowski has joined the Supplier Management team as Group Manager.  John’s responsibilities include the management of:  Deals of Massive Discount (DMDs), Chain Ads, and the Medford, NJ Supplier Management team.  Reporting to John will be Melissa Carpineto, John Spitzkopf, Matt Chesla, Kristen Hayden and Bonnie Worrell.

• Melissa Carpineto has joined the team as Supplier Manager, Chain Ads. 
• John Spitzkopf has joined the team as Supplier Manager. 
• Kristen Hayden has joined the team as Associate Supplier Manager.
• Bonnie Worrell has joined the team as Supplier Management Coordinator.  Bonnie will support John Spitzkopf and Melissa Carpineto,

Frank Zacharewicz has joined the team as Group Manager, Kosher.  Frank will be responsible for managing and implementing all Kosher Programs for UNFI.

Jared Clark has joined the team as Supplier Manager.  Jared will be responsible for the Milk and Cream, Yogurt and Cultured Beverages, Functional and Non-Functional Refrigerated Beverages, Non-Dairy Beverages and Single and Multi-Serve Refrigerated Beverages.  Jared will be transitioning to his new role over the next few weeks. Jared will report to Maureen Hines and is based out of Chesterfield, NH.

UNFI Supplier Management Contacts

An updated list of UNFI Supplier Managers, contact info, line and category assignments can be found here on UNFI’s Supplier Support Site.

UNFI Education Series – Inbound Logistics

We have recently added another installment of our Supplier Education 101 Series - Inbound Logistics 101.  Our next topic will be Marketing – be on the lookout!  Visit UNFI’s Supplier Support Site / Supplier Education to access the series.

UNFI Policy Update

UNFI’s policies regarding item activations were updated effective January 1, 2017.  UNFI will assess a nominal charge of $300 per Distribution Center (50% Discount for Suppliers with Annual Advertising Agreement) for the activation of an existing item.  Existing items are defined as an item that is made available in additional distribution center(s) after its new item launch period has taken place.    Please contact your Supplier Manager with any questions or concerns.

Supplier In-Site (SIS) Data Sharing Portal Enhancements

UNFI has enhanced our Supplier In-Site (SIS) reporting portal with new functionality and a clean, simple look and feel.  The SIS portal is a web based reporting tool for sales data down to the item and store level, providing immense value to suppliers who are looking to understand their business. Contact your Supplier Manager or Emma Padden for more information. New SIS functionality includes:

• The ability to export reports in excel or pdf format
• The ability to set up subscriptions to have reports automatically generated and emailed to you on a weekly, monthly or quarterly basis

250-300% Increase with Customer Portal Ads

Statistics show an average increase of 250-300% in visits to a supplier’s product listing page when a Customer Portal banner ad runs.  Advertisers receive Monthly Activity Reports after an ad is featured showing total impressions, average time spent on the page and number of clicks. Ads are especially effective when placed in conjunction with a special focus or promotion. May’s special focus is Gluten Free; June’s is Summer Fun.  Contact your Supplier Manager or Emma Padden for more information.

Haddon House Integration Update

The Haddon House Howell facility is fully converted to UNFI’s ordering systems.  Accounts payable for both DCs (Howell and Richburg) is still being handled from the Medford offices.

With this conversion complete the UNFI's Inventory Planning and Replenishment (IPAR) team will be doing some supplier reassignments to better balance the overall workload of the buying team.

UNFI has moved some of The Fresh Market (TFM) business to DCs closer to the customer’s stores to provide better service.  The Howell TFM business is moving completely to York.  Approximately one third of the Richburg business moves to Greenwood and another third moves to Sarasota.  All this was effective March 26.

Supplier Portal Enhancement: Improved Appointment Visibility

Starting in May, suppliers will have access to an appointment module within the Supplier Portal that will show delivery appointments and the details related to those appointments. You will be able to see status information such as whether an appointment has been scheduled, rescheduled, landed or cancelled.

Additionally, all carriers and any suppliers that perform their own carrier activities will now have the opportunity to request access to the appointment management capability within the Supplier Portal. This will allow all applicable carriers and suppliers to use the Portal to perform the following activities:

• Accept loads
• Request appointments
• View confirmed appointments
• Request to reschedule appointments
• View confirmed rescheduled appointments

Please share this information with your carriers and let them know they can submit a request for UNFI Supplier Portal access here.

Competitive Freight Rates

Let UNFI handle getting your products to our distribution centers. We offer competitive, national freight rates and a dedicated truck fleet to all our warehouses.  Some of the advantages of using UNFI’s Freight Service include:

• We take ownership of your product at the moment we pick it up
• We pay the unloading and appointment fees for you
• We plan the fastest, most cost effective way to move your products.
• We have state-of-the-art supply chain technology for highest quality control

For more details, please e-mail Jennifer Leite at Ship4U@unfi.com.

GRO Organic Check-Off - Comment by April 19

Now is the time for industry and consumers to submit comments to USDA in support of the Organic Research, Promotion and Information Order proposal.

Farmers and businesses can make comments here http://groorganic.net/business-action/.  Please share this link with your customers and consumers to make their comments: http://groorganic.net/consumer-action.

Click here for more information.

The deadline to submit comments is April 19th 2017.

Successful Conversion of the Haddon House Distribution Center in Howell, NJ

This weekend, the second Haddon House Distribution Center, located in Howell, NJ, successfully converted to the UNFI distribution network. This is a major milestone in the integration and will enable us to serve our customers as one company.

Over the next few weeks, you may experience some challenges as we acclimate to the new ways of working together. If you have questions, please contact your Buyer – please refer to the Buyer Assignment list as needed.

Gourmet Guru Integration

Thank you for your continued support of the integration between UNFI and Gourmet Guru. We’re excited about the benefits it will bring Gourmet Guru suppliers, including a new geographic reach, access to UNFI resources, and opportunities to expand into new customer bases.

We are in the process of relocating items from the Gourmet Guru Bronx facility to the UNFI Distribution Centers. Items are being relocated based on geographic proximity, customer-specific long hauls, and existing business.

All Current or Previous Gourmet Guru Suppliers

• You should have recently received a detailed breakdown of how the integration impacts your brand assortment, including warehouse information, locations, and invoicing addresses. If you did not receive this information or if you have any questions or concerns, please contact your Supplier Relationship Manager. 

Suppliers New to UNFI

• If you were not shipping to UNFI prior to the Gourmet Guru Integration, you should receive your first Purchase Order from UNFI the week of 3/20. 
• Please review the Purchase Order to confirm the details are correct and that UNFI is set up in your system as a customer for billing purposes. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your Supplier Relationship Manager. 

Our goal is to make this process as easy as possible for our suppliers. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to your Supplier Relationship Manager.

UNFI Opening Finance Shared Services Center

UNFI is taking steps to standardize and simplify the way our suppliers, customers, and associates interact. It is the reason that we moved to One Sales Team, are investing in enterprise technology, and are integrating Haddon House and Gourmet Guru so quickly. As part of this goal, we are opening our first Finance Shared Services Center in the Providence metro area by the end of July 2017. Through the Finance Shared Services Center, UNFI will:

• Provide suppliers with a single UNFI point of contact for all inquiries
• Deploy simpler, more standardized processes to receive payments and resolve inquiries
• Improve resolution time on inquiries and payments

The Accounts Payable function will transition to the Finance Shared Service Center first. Billings and Deductions will follow, transitioning from July 2017 through October 2017.

We are excited to announce this change and to strengthen our business relationship with you. We will update you each step of the way, so please stay tuned for additional information regarding specific changes as we make them.

Thank you.

Haddon House Howell DC Conversion

The conversion of Haddon’s Howell Distribution Center to UNFI systems is under way and scheduled to go-live on March 13, 2017.  The changes include implementation of UNFI’s purchasing, warehouse management and order processing technologies.

As part of the conversion event, the Howell DC will have a period of down time in which we cannot accept deliveries. We will provide more details on the period of downtime in the coming weeks and you will be contacted directly if you will be impacted.

Changes to Contacts and Ordering

Haddon House suppliers will experience some changes as a result of the team integration and systems conversion:

• No changes will occur to receiving schedules in the Howell DC leading up to or immediately after conversion. There may be adjustments after UNFI and Haddon House have evaluated the delivery territories and options for servicing customers. 
• There will be changes to Haddon House / UNFI pick-up and vendor ship procedures after the Howell DC conversion.
• Suppliers moving from Haddon House / UNFI pick-up to Vendor Ship: After the DC conversion, all Purchase Orders will need to be delivered to the Howell DCs if we are now unable to pick them up. 
• Suppliers moving from Vendor Ship to Haddon House / UNFI pick-up: After each DC conversion, UNFI will be picking up Purchase Orders for the Howell DCs at the same time that other UNFI Purchase Orders are picked-up. Your UNFI buyer will be contacting you shortly to discuss this topic and if it will impact your current procedures with UNFI.
• Please continue to send your invoices for the Howell and Richburg DCs to the Haddon House Corporate Office at PO Box 907, 250 Old Marlton Pike, Medford, NJ 08055. If you are a supplier that uses EDI, please continue to send your invoices via EDI.
• Your Buyer and Supplier Relationship Manager may change. Please refer to the updated Buyer Assignment List. Your Supplier Relationship Manager will not be changing at this time, but may change in the next few months.
• Haddon House Purchase Orders will now be in the UNFI Business System (UBS) format. On the new Purchase Orders, you will see only cost of goods and off invoice promotions as their own line item. Allowances will not be included as separate line items on the invoice. 
• Order patterns and quantities may shift. Inventory Optimization (IO), UNFI’s inventory and purchasing technology, takes into account demand, sales history, and lead time to determine an optimal ordering frequency. For example, you may no longer receive orders on the same day (e.g., every Tuesday) as you do now. Buyers will communicate any expected shifts in ordering patterns to reduce impact to your production. IO also takes into account promotional activity and lead time to optimize order quantities. For example, you may see an increase in purchases during promotional periods. 

Successful Conversion of the Haddon House Richburg Distribution Center, in Richburg, SC

This weekend, the first Haddon House Distribution Center, located in Richburg, SC, successfully converted to the UNFI distribution network. This is a major milestone in the integration and will enable us to serve our customers in the Richburg area as one company.

What this means for you:

1. Haddon House Purchase Orders will be in the UNFI Business System (UBS) format. On Purchase Orders, you will only see cost of goods and off invoice promotions as their own line item. Allowances will not be included as separate line items on the invoice.
2. Order patterns and quantities may shift. Inventory Optimization (IO), UNFI’s inventory and purchasing technology, takes into account demand, sales history, and lead time to determine an optimal ordering frequency. For example, you may no longer receive orders on the same day (e.g., every Tuesday) as you do now. Buyers will communicate any expected shifts in ordering patterns to reduce impact to your production. IO also takes into account promotional activity and lead time to optimize order quantities. For example, you may see an increase in purchases during promotional periods. 
3. No changes will occur to receiving schedules in the Richburg Distribution Center at this time. There may be adjustments after UNFI and Haddon House have evaluated the delivery territories and options for servicing customers. 

We will now focus on the conversion of the second Haddon House Distribution Center, located in Howell, NJ, which will go through the same process in early March. At that point, Haddon House will officially become part of the UNFI distribution network and both facilities will operate on the state of the art operations system, Warehouse Management 2012.

Over the next few weeks, you may experience some challenges as we acclimate to the new ways of working together. If you have questions, contact your Buyer – please refer to the Buyer Assignment list as needed.

UNFI Supplier Community Update - January 2017

Happy New Year!  Thanks for checking out our first post of 2017.  

UNFI Contacts

Updated contact lists have been posted on UNFI’s Supplier Support Site for your convenience:

• Supplier Relationship Manager (SRM) contacts, with line and category assignments.
• Inventory Planning and Replenishment (IPAR) contacts, with vendor-buyer assignments.

Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) Updates

New Team Focuses on Supplier Onboarding

UNFI’s newly created Supplier Onboarding Team will be responsible for enhancing the new supplier onboarding experience with significant hands-on support and communication throughout the entire process.  Julie Roper, Supplier Onboarding Manager, leads the team.  Reporting to Julie are Supplier Onboarding Specialists, Jessica LaPlante, Michelle Vancini, Daniel Murphy and Jamie Quebec.

First Installment of UNFI Education Series - Deductions

Check out the first installment of our Supplier Education 101 Series – Deductions 101.  Our next topic will be Inbound Logistics – be on the lookout!

UNFI Policy Reminder

As part of UNFI’s Supplier Policies, “price protection” means a credit for the difference between UNFI's previous invoice price and the new lower invoice price. UNFI requires a 90-day price change notification and price protection on all affected products inventoried by UNFI, as of the effective date of any price decrease.

This policy is not new and the expectation is for all our Supplier partners to work with UNFI to ensure our price is protected in the event there is a price decrease.  Please contact your Supplier Relationship Manager should you have questions/concerns relating to this policy.

Holiday 2017.  Already?

It’s hard to believe, but UNFI is already preparing for Holiday 2017.  Sign up soon to participate in our 2017 4th Quarter Holiday Programs. Deadlines:

• January 9 for our Holiday Pre-order Program
• February 24 for our Holiday Essentials Program

Contact your SRM or Emma Padden. Click here for more information.

NEW Digital HEALTHY Clippings® Coupons

Our newest digital option launches in 2017:  HEALTHY Clippings® digital “click to print” coupons.  Feature your best sellers or steer consumers to your newest items.  Contact Alana Mahdalik or your SRM.

Connect with Consumers through UNFI’s Celebration Programs

April’s program focuses on “Good for You and Good for the Earth”. This can include B-Corporation brands, sustainable cleaning and body care, certified humane and more!   May’s focus is Gluten Free – with more consumers than ever before exploring Gluten Free diets, take this opportunity to stand out from the rest.  Contact your SRM or celebrations@unfi.com.  Click here for more information.

Haddon House Integration News

Team Updates

UNFI and Haddon House have integrated our Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) and Inventory Planning and Replenishment (IPAR) teams.   

Mark Hackenberry, in his new role of National Director, Gourmet and Ethnic Supplier Relationship Managers (SRM), will remain in the Medford, NJ office. He will manage the combined Gourmet and Ethnic Supplier Relationship Management team comprised of associates located in Providence RI, and Medford NJ.

Haddon House Richburg DC Conversion

The conversion of Haddon’s Richburg DC to UNFI systems is well under way and we are scheduled to go-live the weekend of January 27, 2017.  The changes include implementation of UNFI’s purchasing, warehouse management and order processing technologies.

As part of the conversion event, the Richburg DC will have a period of down time in which we cannot accept deliveries. We will provide more details on the period of downtime in the coming weeks and you will be contacted directly if you will be impacted.

Changes to Contacts and Ordering

Haddon House suppliers will experience some changes as a result of the team integration and systems conversion:

1. Your Buyer and Supplier Relationship Manager may change. Please refer to the updated Buyer Assignment List. Your Supplier Relationship Manager will not be changing at this time, but will change in early 2017 when we review Supplier Relationship Manager assignments.
2. Haddon House Purchase Orders will now be in the UNFI Business System (UBS) format. On the new Purchase Orders, you will see only cost of goods and off invoice promotions as their own line item. Allowances will not be included as separate line items on the invoice. 
3. Order patterns and quantities may shift. Inventory Optimization (IO), UNFI’s inventory and purchasing technology, takes into account demand, sales history, and lead time to determine an optimal ordering frequency. For example, you may no longer receive orders on the same day (e.g., every Tuesday) as you do now. Buyers will communicate any expected shifts in ordering patterns to reduce impact to your production. IO also takes into account promotional activity and lead time to optimize order quantities. For example, you may see an increase in purchases during promotional periods. 
4. No changes will occur to receiving schedules in the Richburg Distribution Center leading up to or immediately after conversion. There may be adjustments after UNFI and Haddon House have evaluated the delivery territories and options for servicing customers. 

Haddon House Supplier Collect and Vendor Ship Changes

After the conversions of the Richburg and Howell Distribution Centers, there will be changes to collect and vendor ship procedures.

• Suppliers moving from Collect to Vendor Ship: After each DC conversion, all Purchase Orders will need to be delivered to the Richburg and Howell DCs if we are now unable to pick them up. 
• Suppliers moving from Vendor Ship to Collect: After each DC conversion, UNFI will be picking up Purchase Orders for the Richburg and Howell DCs at the same time that other UNFI Purchase Orders are picked-up.

Your UNFI buyer will be contacting you shortly to discuss this topic and if it will impact your current procedures with UNFI.

Haddon House Promotions, DMDs and Show Deals

We have received quite a few questions regarding Deals of Massive Discount (DMD), Creative Merchandiser promotions, and Show Deals that were negotiated with Haddon House. Here is a summary of the current state of our integration as well as steps you should take if you have questions or concerns:

• As of December 15, 2016, Haddon House and UNFI are operating out of the same purchasing system, Inventory Optimization.
• All off invoice deals that were negotiated with Haddon House for the 2016 Haddon House Shows are being captured and implemented in Haddon House and UNFI business systems and are expected to be honored as presented and agreed upon with Haddon House
• If you are in need of proof of an off invoice deal, please contact Melissa Carpineto.
• Moving forward, be sure to use the UNFI Promotional Forms.  The information will be entered in both UNFI and Haddon House systems until the conversion.

Deductions Changes for Haddon House Suppliers

UNFI offers several programs to help you grow your business. Specific details on programs are available from your Supplier Relationship Manager. Costs for program participation are deducted from payments to your company.

Examples of our programs include:

• Manufacturer Chargebacks: Monthly and weekly programs based on product sales and quality
• Supplier Programs: Supplier event and marketing programs
• Marketing: UNFI marketing, events, and advertising programs

To submit questions about deductions or to request repayment, please complete the Deduction Dispute Form and submit it with supporting documentation to deductions@unfi.com.

Gourmet Guru Integration

Thank you for your continued support of the integration between UNFI and Gourmet Guru. We’re excited about the benefits it will bring Guru suppliers, including a new geographic reach, access to UNFI resources, and opportunities to expand into new customer bases.

At this time, we are beginning to relocate items from the Gourmet Guru Bronx facility to UNFI and Haddon House Distribution Centers, based on geographic proximity, customer-specific long hauls, and existing business. When complete, on or around May 2017, our goal is for all Gourmet Guru suppliers, customers, and associates to be fully integrated into UNFI. 

Use Current Forms for Faster Processing

The use of the latest UNFI forms allows for rapid processing of new items, vendors and changes through automated processes. Current forms are posted on UNFI’s Supplier Support Site

·       Pack Change form

·       Inbound Logistics (IBL) freight form

·       Cost Change form

·       New Item Form (NIF).  We prefer that suppliers use UNFI’s Supplier Portal to submit new items, but if you must use the excel form, please be sure to download the current version.

2017 Tabletop Shows - Discover What’s Next at UNFI!

UNFI’s 2017 Tabletop Shows will include suppliers from UNFI, Albert’s Organics, Select Nutrition, Tony’s Fine Foods and NorCal Produce -- offering our customers something for every part of the store.

Orlando Tabletop Show: February 7-8, 2017; SOLD OUT

• Email events@unfi.com to be placed on the waitlist.

Haddon House Spring Expo: May 2-4, 2017

• Location: Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek in Orlando Florida. 
• This Expo offers over 500 booths filled with specialty, natural and organic offerings. 
• Over 450 vendors will be in attendance.
• Vendor invitations will be emailed the week of January 16^th.
• Contact Bonnie Worrell 609-654-7901 Ext. 275 with any questions

Foxwoods Tabletop Show: May 17-18, 2017

• Featuring the new Wellness Experience Area and FRESH destination! Tables still available in these categories.
• Open to suppliers from UNFI, Select Nutrition, Albert’s Organics and Tony’s Fine Foods
• The main exhibit hall is sold out. Email events@unfi.com to be placed on the waitlist.

Pacific Region Tabletop Show: May 23-24, 2017; New location -- Long Beach Convention Center 

• Open to suppliers from UNFI, Select Nutrition, Albert’s Organics, NorCal Produce and Tony’s Fine Foods
• Tables are still available but going quickly - Register now: http://www.cvent.com/d/vfqs6y

UNFI Freight Service Saves You Time and Money

Let UNFI handle getting your products to our distribution centers. We offer competitive, national freight rates and a dedicated truck fleet to all our warehouses.  

• We take ownership of your product at the moment we pick it up
• We pay the unloading and appointment fees for you
• We plan the fastest, most cost effective way to move your products.
• We have state-of-the-art supply chain technology for highest quality control

For more details please contact Jennifer Leite.

Deductions Tracking Now Available in the East

UNFI East Region is now providing weekly status updates on deduction disputes. The updates will allow you to track disputes through the UNFI system from the point of submission to resolution. To sign up to receive weekly updates on the status of your dispute please send an email request, including the email address where you would like updates sent, to deductions@unfi.com.

UNFI Next - the Pipeline Pioneer for Emerging Brands 

The UNFI Next team continues to grow as we welcome new Regional Supplier Development Managers focused on emerging brands in key markets across the U.S.  The Next team curates and incubates emerging brands to bring these brands into distribution at UNFI and support their growth at retail.  Here’s how we define an Emerging Brand for UNFI Next:

·       Brands/Products that disrupt their category

·       Products that are on-trend with key industry/category trends

·       New or break-through product entries to the market

The UNFI Next program is for early launch phase suppliers that are not currently in distribution at UNFI and are building their brands and placements at retail.  We offer a high level of support, education and mentorship throughout a brand’s onboarding and growth at UNFI.  If you believe your brand may be a fit for the program and you do not currently work with UNFI, please reach out to the Regional Supplier Development Manager in your area to discuss UNFI Next.  If there is no Regional Supplier Development Manager in your region, please reach out to Kimberly Bentz.

Our Regional Supplier Development Team includes:

Kimberly Bentz, Supplier Development Group Manager

Wendy Savoie, Regional Supplier Development Manager, Northeast

Rebecca Quinn-Herich, Supplier Development Manager, Midwest

Suman Lawrence, Regional Supplier Development Manager, Southwest

Michael Costello, Regional Supplier Development Manager, Mountain

Beril Ancel, Regional Supplier Development Manager, NorCal/SoCal

Jen Pletscher, Regional Supplier Development Manager, PacNW

Kayla Davis, Supplier Development Support Specialist