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
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.
