SUPERVALU and UNFI

SUPERVALU is now part of UNFI. The transformative transaction we announced in July has successfully closed. This afternoon we issued a press release which you can read here: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/unfi-completes-transformative-acquisition-of-supervalu-300735117.html

Today marks a significant day in our combined companies’ history; together, UNFI and SUPERVALU emerge as North America’s preeminent food wholesaler. We look forward to engaging you as we execute our “build out the store” growth strategy and deliver for our customers. Together, we’ll bring retailers the best of both companies: a complete, store-wide product offering, innovative natural, organic, multi-cultural and private brand products, and a full suite of professional services, all backed by our industry expertise, vast distribution network, and associates’ commitment. These competitive advantages position our customers for sustained success.

Our suppliers play a critical role in our retailers’ operations, and the new company’s size and scale represents additional opportunities for you.  We now serve over 45,000 stores in all 50 states, as well as Canada, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Our 250,000 SKUs and 5,000+ private brand products span the entire store. We’ll have immediate cross-selling capability as a result. Our teams are eager to discuss how we can best serve our customers going forward.

We’re excited to work with you and share future plans as we integrate these two great organizations. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to your Supplier Management team with any questions.

October 2018 Supplier Update

UNFI & SUPERVALU

On July 25, 2018, UNFI entered into an agreement to acquire SUPERVALU.  Since then, our respective teams have been planning for a smooth integration of our two businesses.  Once complete, this transaction will transform the combined company into North America’s premier wholesale distributor for our diversified and long-tenured customers.

SUPERVALU announced yesterday that the acquisition is expected to close on October 22, 2018. As an important supplier to UNFI and/or SUPERVALU we wanted to provide you with some key information before the transaction closes.

Specifically, please note that:

• You will continue to receive P.O.’s for both UNFI and SUPERVALU Distribution Center locations separately.   
• UNFI will continue to use the same DUNS numbers that either UNFI or SUPERVALU are using today. 
• Supplier payment terms in place at both companies have been reviewed.  In general, the most favorable UNFI/SUPERVALU terms will be applied to all P.O.’s received after 12:01AM October 22, 2018 (or the date the transaction closes, if later).
• Supplier agreements and other programs have been reviewed as part of the integration planning process.  After the closing, our supplier management teams will be reaching out to you to discuss the agreements in place and next steps related to our combined purchases.
• Please continue to work with the respective UNFI or SUPERVALU supplier management, merchandising and procurement contacts that you currently do to conduct business now and after closing.

Once the transaction is finalized, we’ll be in touch with more details and information. Bringing together UNFI and SUPERVALU is a significant and exciting undertaking.  Thank you in advance for your assistance in helping us make this successful.  Your continued support to ensure the strong execution of current plans and programs is expected and appreciated. 

Supplier Management (SM) Updates

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

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.

Customer Moves 

To improve our customer experience, UNFI is making the following customer moves for picking and shipping orders.

• Three Whole Foods NorCal stores have moved from Rocklin to Gilroy effective 9/30/18
• Earth Fare refrigerated, frozen, and repack items (bars, HBC, and supplements) have been moved from Atlanta to Richburg effective 9/30/18
• Fairway specialty business will be moved from Hudson Valley to Dayville to consolidate the customer into one DC effective 10/22/18

Purchase Order Confirmations

Please see these frequently asked questions about the Purchase Order (P.O.) confirmation process.  By confirming a P.O., you are confirming receipt of the P.O. itself.  If there are disputes regarding quantity, pricing, and/or pick-up/ETA date, please reach out directly to your buyer or buyer’s assistant.

Q. How long do I have to confirm a P.O.?
A. 24 business hours from P.O. receipt.

Q. As a supplier, where do I send P.O. confirmations?
A. P.O. confirmations should be sent to either iparconfeast@unfi.com or iparconf@unfi.com.  Please see P.O. cover sheet to determine the correct e-mail for your P.O..

Q. Why is it important that I confirm a P.O.?
A. UNFI needs to know that you have received the P.O. for logistical planning, i.e. arranging pick-up or appointment planning at the DC.

Q. If revisions are necessary for the P.O. such as quantity, pricing, or ETA, who do I reach out to?
A. You should reach out directly to the buyer assigned to your orders.  UNFI item number is required on all communications regarding quantity or item discrepancies.

Q. What if I don’t know who my buyer is?
A. The name of your buyer is referenced on the P.O. that is sent to you.

Deductions and Accounts Payable Responsibilities 

Accounts Payable

Please click here to see the most recent AP representative updates.  Here is a list of subjects to reach out to AP with questions on:

• Pay Terms – East & West
• Payment Inquiries – East & West
• RTVs (IDPs) – West Only
• Concealed Damages
• Detention Fees – East & West
• Invoice Chargebacks – West Only
• ClearVue/Spoils/Freight Allowances – West Only
• Pallet Payments – East & West

Deductions

All deduction disputes require this form and backup be sent to deductions@unfi.com.  All requests for backup on deductions should be sent to deductionsbackup@unfi.com.  Please note “BACKUP REQUEST” in the subject line and state in the body of the e-mail the full deduction invoice number while attaching a copy of the check stub associated with the payment in which the deduction was taken.

All inquiries on deductions listed here or those listed below should go through the Deductions team.

• RTVs (IDPs) – East Only
• Invoice Chargebacks – East Only
• ClearVue/Spoils/Freight Allowances – East Only

IX-ONE Update

In order to support the ever-growing list of retailers who require and rely on IX-ONE membership from their suppliers, UNFI is asking all of our suppliers to join IX-ONE before year end.

IX-ONE is our industry’s choice for dependable product data and images.  If you are not familiar with their services, please visit their website here and then click here to begin the membership application process.

In addition to the very impressive list of retailers requiring IX-ONE membership, UNFI trusts IX-ONE data to:

• Fuel our e-commerce content
• Power our GDSN functionality
• Drive our flyer programs
• Expedite our item setup process

Suppliers not in IX-ONE are at a significant competitive disadvantage compared to suppliers whose products are cataloged within the IX-ONE exchange.

Click here to get started or here if you would like to request more information from IX-ONE.

Shipping and Handling Information

Please refer to UNFI’s Shipping and Handling Guide for details pertaining to packaging and shipping.

Labeling Requirements

• All orders must be palletized.
• All shipments must have a release/PO number and consignee name clearly marked on the front and back of each pallet.  This is very important as we consolidate freight for many of our divisions.
• Each Bill of Lading must be accompanied by a detailed packing slip for each release/PO being delivered or picked up.

Shipping: Small Package Shipments

• Cartons must be clearly marked with box count (1 of 2, 2 of 2, etc.)
• A PO number must be written on each carton
• A packing slip must accompany each PO.  If enclosed in carton, please clearly identify said carton.

September 2018 Supplier Management Updates

In order to serve our Supplier partners more efficiently, UNFI is announcing the following structural changes to our Supplier Management team effective immediately.  To see a complete line listing of the department, please click here.

Broadline Team

Maureen Hines – Director, Supplier Management, Broadline

Maureen has been promoted to Director and will now oversee the Supplier Management teams reporting to Chere Hedges in Rocklin, CA, Joseph Roy in Providence, RI, and the newly promoted to Group Manager, Amie Thayer in Chesterfield, NH.

Amie Thayer – National Group Manager, Broadline

Reporting to Maureen, Amie will manage a team of Ginger Lynch, Nicholas Clemente, Aaron May, Melissa Farkas, and Don Jenks.

Jared Clark – Supplier Manager, ClearVue 

Jared will be replacing Amie in managing a ClearVue desk.  His backfill will be named shortly.

Wellness Team

Lisa Madsen – Director, Supplier Management, Wellness

Lisa has been promoted to director and will now oversee both the integrated broadline team for Select, and a smaller team dedicated to suppliers unique to the Philadelphia and SNW DCs. Together, both teams will work to create programs and opportunities to expand the Wellness categories.

Nicole D’Amico – National Group Manager, Wellness

Reporting to Lisa, Nicole will oversee the team responsible for all brands unique to the Philadelphia and SNW DCs.  She will also manage our growing MAP Management program. Stephanie LaCasse will be the Supplier Manager for all brands that are unique to these DCs.

To Be Announced – National Group Manager, Wellness 

This person will report to Lisa and lead the rest of the integrated broadline Supplier Management team responsible for managing brands across all other DCs: Valarie Rozokat, Robyn Romano, Tracy French, Tracey O’Reilly, and Alana Mahdalik.

Support & Services Team

Nancy Semmelrock – Director, Supplier Support Services

Nancy has been promoted to Director and will now oversee the Supplier Support Services Team.  Julie Roper, Gail Moran, and Brenda Smith will report to her.

July 2018 Supplier Update

Supplier Management (SM) Updates

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

Over the course of the next few months, the following Supplier Manager assignment changes will take place:

• Candy will move from David Lotti to Kimberlee Prata
• Canned Fish/Meat and Soups will move from Kimberlee Prata to Jessica Clancy
• Frozen Pizza/Pasta will move from Lori Davis to Aaron May
• Butter and Soft Cheese will move from Aaron May to Tracy Dearborn

Until you receive further communication, please continue to direct all questions to your current SM.

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 Sales Team Updates

Please see the links below for the most current listing of UNFI Sales Reps for all three regions.

Atlantic Region Sales Directory
Central Region Sales Directory
Pacific Region Sales Directory

Late Disposition Fees

Managing slot space in our Distribution Centers (DCs) is extremely challenging given the number of items moving in and out on a daily basis.  In order to effectively control capacity, UNFI requires that any items discontinued by the supplier or that have undergone a UPC, size, and/or pack change be removed from our DCs within fourteen (14) days, or by the agreed upon pack change disposition date.  Suppliers may choose to pick up or donate these items.

Effective September 1, 2018, UNFI will assess a Late Disposition Fee to suppliers that have not made arrangements to have discontinued products picked up or donated within 14 days.  If items in question are due to a pack change, product must be dispositioned by the agreed upon disposition date to avoid the Late Disposition Fee.

The following fee schedule will apply:

• 15-30 Days - $500 per item, per DC
• 31-60 Days - $750 per item, per DC
• Over 61 Days - $1,000 per item, per DC and immediate donation

Please reach out to your Supplier Manager for more information.

Turnover Order Process and Guidelines

UNFI has embarked on a two-phase approach to improve our Turnover Order Process.

Our first phase is effective immediately.  We are requesting that all turnover orders be submitted according to our UNFI National Order Form or on a form with a broker or supplier letterhead.  This letterhead must be in the exact same layout as the UNFI National Order Form.

We will be changing our current guidelines for the order processing lead time to 48 hours nationally.

All turnovers must include this information and follow these guidelines:

• Broker/supplier rep name, phone number, company name, and e-mail address
• All pertinent account information, Customer PO if required, ship date, UNFI item number(s), product description (including pack size), and discount information

Each form should have one order per account, per form, per ship date.  Please note that orders will not be processed unless there is a discount.

With any questions, please reach out to Michele Nielsen at mnielsen@unfi.com.

Food Safety and Quality Update: Recalls and Withdrawals

UNFI is dedicated to ensuring safe, quality food for the general public and fully supports your efforts in guaranteeing the same.

We highly encourage you to review the link below to familiarize yourself with the new processes.  Highlights include required supplier and product information, fees associated, supplier communication expectations, and UNFI main contacts.

Product Recall & Withdrawal Policy

We will go live with our revamped Recalls and Withdrawals Policy on July 30, 2018.  With questions and concerns, please contact Ahhria Fosdyck, National Director of Food Safety & Quality, at afosdyck@unfi.com.

Select Wellness Update

As the landscape for wellness categories continues to change and evolve, we must continue to do the same in order to ensure that our associates, our customers, and our suppliers have the best opportunities for success.  As we examine our go to market strategy for the coming months, we are confident that a new approach is necessary in order to continue to support all channels of customers.

Effective July 30th, 2018, Select Wellness will be part of the overall broadline strategy for UNFI.  We will continue to maintain a dedicated team of Inside Sales Representatives and Specialists that will support UNFI’s overall wellness sales and strategy, and sell wellness as a unique category to our customers.  Customers can continue to decide if they want to receive their product on their UNFI truck or via UPS in smaller quantities.

In short, it’s business as usual for you.  Your SM at Select Wellness and your SM at UNFI (if you are with both today) will remain as they are today.

As we transition, you will have a single point of contact with whom to conduct your business.  Should you have any questions during this transition, please contact your Select Wellness SM.

We are excited to discover what’s next and thank you for your continued support.  I am confident that this evolution will bring the highest level of service for both our suppliers and our customers.

New Marketing Opportunities

Category Management

Ever wonder what the next trend like “Paleo” is going to be?  Or how your brand compares to your competition as a driver of growth in a category?  UNFI’s Category Management team has these answers and many more.  Grow your brand by knowing your landscape.  For more information, click here.

Circular Family Features

You will now have the option to have display multiple flavors of the same price point and product type in the feature block.  Not all items need to be considered feature items.  For more information on circulars, click here.

New Item Introduction Packages

Get the word out on your new items.  Have a discussion with your SM to decide which tier is appropriate for running the right programs at the right time for your new items.  For more information click here.

And as always, with any marketing or promotion related questions, please reach out to your SM.

Competitive Freight Rates

Even during this difficult time within the transportation market, UNFI Logistics continues to utilize our national carrier partners and dedicated fleet, allowing us to offer below market rates to all of our warehouses.  In addition, some of the advantages of using UNFI’s Freight Service include:

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

For more details, please e-mail Stacy McGhehey at Ship4U@unfi.com.

April 2018 Supplier Community Update

Supplier Management (SM) Updates

UNFI is pleased to announce the following new team members and team member roles.  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 

Chere Hedges, Group Manager, Rocklin, CA.  Chere comes to the UNFI team from our Tony’s team, and will manage the SMs in Rocklin.  Chere reports to Melissa Angle.

Lauren Caldamone, Supplier Coordinator, Providence, RI.  Lauren is new to the UNFI team.  She reports to Allison Hughes and will be supporting Aaron May, Kim Prata, and Ginger Lynch.

Brittney Pigeon, Supplier Coordinator, Providence, RI.  Brittney comes to the team from the UNFI Accounts Payable department.  She reports to Allison Hughes and will be supporting Dave Lotti, Tracy French, and Lisa Madsen.

New Roles

Allison Hughes, SM Support & Services Supervisor - Providence, RI.   Allison’s previous role was Onboarding Specialist.  Prior to that, she was a Supplier Coordinator.  In this role, she will manage the Supplier Coordinators and the Supplier Portal.  Allison reports to Julie Roper.

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.

Customer Moves 

To improve our customer experience, UNFI is making the following customer moves for picking and shipping orders:

• UNFI successfully moved all Wakefern business from York to our Howell facility as of February 25th.
• The Fresh Market stores in Virginia are being moved to Richburg from York effective April 22nd.

MCB Deduction Key

In an effort to provide greater transparency into MCB deductions, we have compiled a Key for your reference here.

UNFI Supplier Awards

At our annual ceremony held at Expo West, awards were handed out in the following categories:

• Pioneer Award: Discovering what’s next and moving our industry forward
• Social Responsibility Award: Doing what’s right for people, animals, and the planet
• Performance Award: For stellar expansion and growth in legacy categories

Our winners this year:

• Cypress Grove, Pioneer Award for their mission to become an easily accessible source of knowledge for goat dairies in America.
• Magic Mud, Pioneer Award for the creation of new toothpastes and tooth powders that help strengthen and whiten teeth using only clean ingredients.
• Lundberg, Social Responsibility Award for honoring their family farming legacy by nourishing, conserving, and innovating for a healthier world.
• Natural Dairy Products, Social Responsibility Award for an exemplary commitment to organic farming and establishing organic farms.
• RX Bar, Performance Award for innovative products and massive growth in an established category.
• Traditional Medicinals, Performance Award for continued growth in all categories across Tea.
• Zevia, Performance Award for substantial increased sales in a highly saturated category that is in decline.

Beginning next year, UNFI will invite self-nominations from the supplier community.  We will send out a survey in the fall and determine winners in the same three categories.

We also will be extending an open invite for all suppliers in good standing with UNFI to attend the awards event on a first come, first serve basis depending on capacity constraints.

Congratulations to all of our winners, and be on the lookout for more information in the Fall.

2018 UNFI Showcases

SOLD OUT –  Central Showcase, La Crosse, WI – May 9-10

LAST CALL – Pacific Showcase, Long Beach, CA – June 20-21

DON’T MISS – North Atlantic Showcase, Uncasville, CT – Oct 2-4

Transportation Market Update

UNFI is committed to providing our suppliers with the best logistics services at the most competitive prices, however, current transportation market constraints continue to be challenging.  Beginning late last summer with Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, the market has been under tremendous pressure.  UNFI is not immune to the impacts and have faced the following challenges:

• “Normal” truck capacity was constricted post hurricanes.  The back-to-back natural disasters reduced the number of trucks available on the road and consumed more transportation resources than the market could bear.
• Data collected in January 2018 shows load to truck ratios are at 16:1 which indicates that for every 16 loads of freight in the country, there is only one available truck to move it.
• New ELD (Electronic Logging Device) regulations went into effect in mid-December.  These regulations strictly enforce the hours of service for all affected carriers, increasing transit time and increasing the burden on the market.  
• Carriers that participated in UNFI’s 2018 annual RFP bid submitted rates that were significantly higher than those seen in previous years.

We appreciate your understanding during this challenging time.  If you have questions, please reach out to your SM.

Competitive Freight Rates

Despite the struggling market and increased transportation costs, UNFI Logistics still provides 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, reducing your liability.
• We pay the unloading and appointment fees for you, which keeps your costs down.
• We plan the fastest, most cost effective way to move your products, leveraging our extensive network.
• We have state-of-the-art supply chain technology for highest quality control.

For more details, please e-mail Stacy McGhehey at Ship4U@unfi.com.

Pallet Exchange

Suppliers managing their deliveries into UNFI may participate in a pallet exchange.  Upon delivery, UNFI will exchange pallets for a Grade B or better, 4-way GMA pallet when the driver requests pallet exchange at appointment check-in and the Bill of Lading (BOL) indicates the number and type of pallets to be exchanged.  UNFI will exchange one pallet for each good pallet accepted.  All broken or unacceptable pallets will be noted on the BOL by the unloading service (Capstone Logistics) and will not be exchanged.

UNFI Easy Options

UNFIEasyOptions.com is our B2B eCommerce website where business-verified buyers gain access to a select UNFI assortment at wholesale prices.  This site offers over forty-four thousand non-perishable grocery and wellness SKUs, with hundreds of new products added monthly.  No UNFI account is needed to order, so it’s a great option for smaller buyers who can’t meet minimum requirements or want to test with a smaller volume of products before buying large quantities.  With the addition of our Racine DC in January, we can now reach 99% of the US population within three days.  Customers can order via credit card in cases or eaches, and there is no minimum requirement for order size or frequency.  Easy Options launched in October 2017 with significant upgrades and expanded opportunities coming in late 2018.

Why the 2018 Farm Bill Matters to You

Many important programs could be left stranded without a reauthorization of funds in the 2018 Farm Bill.  These programs include those that support and invest in beginning and minority farmers and ranchers, local and regional food systems, rural economic development, and organic production.  Most of these programs are only funded for the five years covered by the 2014 Farm Bill and will cease to exist if Congress does not provide new farm bill funding by October 1, 2018.

Both the House and Senate Agriculture Committees have begun to hold Farm Bill hearings ahead of writing the next Farm Bill, and we expect the debate to ramp up significantly toward the end of this year.  It’s important to defend, improve, and expand critical programs.  Stay engaged and communicate with your legislators as the Farm Bill process progresses!

Read More on the 2018 Farm Bill Here

Organic Week in Washington, DC

This May, don’t miss the Organic Trade Association’s signature event from May 21st through May 24th in Washington, DC.  It is a celebration of the organic supply chain.  Small organic producers, major growers, researchers, and policy advocates to distributors and retailers will come together to advance organic policy priorities.

It is a week of education and advocacy where you can join discussions on federal policy issues critical to our nation’s nearly $50 billion organic sector.  The event will allow you to make a difference and bring tools to advance organic back to your home state.

Learn more here

Communication on Fill Rate From Sean Griffin

Good morning,
Please visit the link below for a communication from COO Sean Griffin on Fill Rate.

Fill Rate Communication

January 2018 Supplier Community Update

Supplier Management (SM) Updates

UNFI is pleased to announce the following new team members and team member roles.  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 

Katrina Eichenfeldt, Supplier Manager - ClearVue, Providence, RI.  Katrina brings over 10 years of experience on both the broker and supplier side of the business.  Outside of the office, Katrina enjoys traveling the world and seeing live music.  She reports to Jessica Meyer.

Nick Clemente, Supplier Manager, Providence, RI.  Nick began his career at UNFI in 2016 as a Purchasing Assistant.  Shortly thereafter, he was promoted to Buyer and then again to Buyer II.  Nick reports to Maureen Hines and is responsible for Water, Water Additives, Ready to Drink Teas, and Functional Beverages.

Dan Chace, Supplier Manager, Providence, RI.  Dan has been with UNFI for 5 years in roles of increasing responsibility, spending the last 2 years with Blue Marble Brands as a Purchasing Manager.  Outside of work, Dan can be found spending time with his 2 year old daughter Emma.  Dan reports to Joe Roy and is responsible for Cookies and Crackers.

Grace Lachona, Supplier Development Manager, New York, NY.  Prior to UNFI, Grace worked for Paul Hastings LLP in Life Science Litigation Management.  Grace reports to Wendy Savoie and is responsible for UNFI Next Suppliers in the New York region.

Janice Barcomb, Supplier Coordinator, Chesterfield, NH.  Janice has been with UNFI since 2014 as a Purchasing Assistant.  She is an active volunteer with our Helping Hands team and has participated in many events to support the community.  Janice reports to Nancy Semmelrock and will be supporting Tracy Dearborn, Don Jenks, and Valarie Rozokat.

Kailey Beland, Supplier Coordinator, Providence, RI.  Kailey began her career in the medical field as a Registered Medical Assistant in an Urgent Care office and later moved into a Pediatrics office.  She likes photography, travel, and spending time with her 1 year old daughter Kinsley.  Kailey reports to Nancy Semmelrock and will be supporting Arin Donahue.

Jennifer Nelson, Supplier Coordinator, Providence, RI.  Jennifer graduated from the University of Maryland with a BA in History and served for 10 months in the AmeriCorps program teaching underprivileged communities in Eastern Connecticut about Public Health.  Jennifer reports to Nancy Semmelrock and will be supporting Barbara Beland and Nick Clemente.

New Roles 

Jessica Meyer, Group Manager - ClearVue, Providence, RI.  Jessica has been with UNFI for the past four years as a ClearVue Supplier Manager.  Jessica reports to Meagan Kessel.

Kelli Menard, Supplier Manager - ClearVue, Providence, RI.  Kelli has taken on a new role as a Supplier Manager for our ClearVue team.  She has worked for UNFI for over three years.  In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her son, Cruz. Kelli reports to Jessica Meyer.

Liz Lada, Supplier Onboarding Specialist, Providence, RI.  Liz has been with UNFI for 13 years holding roles in Customer Service, Coding, and Supplier Management.  She enjoys travel and photography and has volunteered with the BSA for over 15 years.  Liz reports to Julie Roper.

Jessica Chandler, Supplier Onboarding Specialist, Providence, RI.  Jessica obtained her degree from Rhode Island College in English with a concentration in creative writing.  In her spare time, she enjoys tap dancing, reading, and writing in the fantasy genre.  Jessica reports to Julie Roper.

Inventory Planning and Replenishment (IPAR) Updates

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

Customer Moves 

To improve our customer experience, UNFI is making the following customer moves for picking and shipping orders:

• 11 Whole Foods stores are moving from York to Racine in mid-January.  These stores are primarily located in Ohio and Kentucky.
• The Fresh Market stores in Florida are being moved to Richburg from Sarasota in early January.
• Customers in Wichita, KS being shipped from Lancaster will be moved to Iowa in early January.

Updating Vendor Information

You may have seen an e-mail from your SM recently asking you to take a moment to update us on your current Accounting and Contact Information and informing you that all invoices for both the East and West regions need to be sent to the following address:

UNFI Accounts Payable
313 Iron Horse Way
Providence, RI 02908

Please take a moment to update your information for us at the link below.  Thank you!

Update Contact Info

Seattle Sweetened Beverage Tax

Starting January 1, 2018, Seattle will be instituting a Sweetened Beverage Tax on certain products distributed into the city.  A reduced tax rate is allowed on these products if certain exemption forms are provided to UNFI.

According to City of Seattle’s Ordinance 125324, if a manufacturer has been certified by the City to have worldwide gross income of less than $2 million in the prior calendar year, its products will be exempt from the Sweetened Beverage Tax.  Also, if a manufacturer has been certified by the City to have worldwide gross income of more than $2 million, but less than $5 million, in the prior calendar year its products qualify for a reduced rate of tax.  Manufacturers must apply directly to the City of Seattle in order to receive an exemption certificate or reduced rate certificate.

If you have either certificate, please send them nkoo@unfi.com. If you qualify for either certificate but have not yet obtained one, you may do so as follows:

1. Contact the City and request the applicable certification. 
2. Complete the prescribed documentation and submit back to the City with the required financial records of the business.  The City will review and determine eligibility. 
3. If approved, the City will issue the applicable certificate to the manufacturer. If denied, the City will notify the manufacturer of the denial and provide appeal information. 

If you have any other questions regarding the Sweetened Beverage Tax or the application process for either an exemption or reduced rate, please contact 206-684-8484 or SweetenedBevTax@seattle.gov.

2018 UNFI Showcases

Contact your SM with any questions or requests for additional information about these Showcases.

Showcase Update

2018 South Atlantic Showcase
Loews Sapphire Falls | Orlando, FL
February 20-21, 2018

Thank you to the 400 suppliers who are participating in the South Atlantic Showcase! We are looking forward to a great selling show with over 800 customers registered! If you would like to be placed on the waitlist please email events@unfi.com.

NEW! 2018 Central Showcase
La Crosse Center | La Crosse, WI
May 9-10, 2018

This new location will provide a unique opportunity to meet with key customers in the Central region, such as Piggly Wiggly, Festival, Brookshire Grocery, Lunds, and many independents and co-ops.

2018 Pacific Showcase
LB Convention Center | Long Beach, CA
June 20-21, 2018

Our Pacific Showcase was wildly successful again this past year!  We will accommodate over 1,000 suppliers representing all categories at this show.  Customers will not only be able to build out their store, but build strong relationships.

NEW LOCATION! 2018 North Atlantic Showcase
Mohegan Sun | Uncasville, CT
October 2-4, 2018

This show replaces the UNFI Foxwoods Tabletop Show and gives us more room for expansion with a great new exhibit hall, which means more selling opportunities than ever before!

Marketing Opportunities

Honest Green eCommerce Advertising

If you have products stocked in Hudson Valley, Racine, Gilroy, and/or Select Nutrition, check out our New Year discounted package options.

Customer Portal Digital Advertising

Reach customers on your Supplier Product Listing Page.  Click here for 2018 Monthly Themes, Product Listing Page Details, and Metrics.

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.

For more information on these exciting marketing opportunities, contact your SM or visit UNFI’s Supplier Support Site.

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.