October 2019 Supplier Update

Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) Updates

An updated list of UNFI Supplier Relationship Managers (SRMs), 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 (IPAR) contacts and assignments can be found here on UNFI’s Supplier Support Site.

Accounts Payable (AP) Updates

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

Hot Sheet Ordering Process

We have made changes to our order processing for the Hot Sheet program in both the East and West.

East

Currently, customers can enter live orders via their normal order entry method to receive the published Hot Sheet deal.  As a supplier or broker, you will still be able to submit a turnover order on the customer’s behalf.  Turnover orders from suppliers and brokers must be submitted to turnoverseast@unfi.com with the subject line “Broker/Supplier Hot Sheet Order”.

West

Beginning with the December 2019 Hot Sheet program, customers will be able to enter live orders via their normal entry method to receive the published Hot Sheet deal.  As a supplier or broker, you will still be able to submit a turnover order on the customer’s behalf.  Turnover orders from suppliers and brokers must be submitted to turnoverswest@unfi.com with the subject line “Broker/Supplier Hot Sheet Order”.

Supplier Portal Update

New promotional forms are now available for submission on the Supplier Portal located here.  You can now submit Hot Sheets, Wellness Fit forms, and DMDs (Deals of Massive Discount) on the portal.

Hot Sheets

As of October 31, 2019, UNFI will no longer accept e-mail submissions for the Hot Sheet program.  All deals must be submitted on the Supplier Portal.  With any questions on this, please contact hotsheets@unfi.com.

Wellness Fit

Effective immediately, all submissions must now go through the Supplier Portal.  Any questions on Wellness Fit submissions through the portal should go to monthlyspecials@unfi.com.

Deals of Massive Discount (DMDs)

Effective immediately, all submissions must now go through the Supplier Portal.  Please direct any questions you have about DMD entry to dmd@unfi.com.

Supplier Policies Update

Please see the most up to date UNFI Supplier Policies located here.

2020 UNFI Showcase Update

UNFI is very excited to share our showcase schedule for 2020.  It can be found here.

UNFI Logistics

UNFI’s Logistics Services are available for both our Natural and Conventional Suppliers.  We have fifty experienced associates located from coast to coast focused on moving product from Suppliers into every distribution center (DC).  The team is in constant contact with carriers, purchasing, and the DC to ensure safe and timely deliveries.

What are the benefits of utilizing UNFI Logistics?

• UNFI takes ownership of your products at the time of pickup eliminating worries about lost or damaged freight
• UNFI pays for all unloading, lumper, and appointment fees
• UNFI has cross-country partnerships with best in class carriers
• State of the art technology schedules and tracks your shipment

What can I expect as UNFI Logistics Managed Supplier?

• Simplified Planning: Our experienced associates manage the process from pickup to final delivery
• Standard Pickup Days: Regular weekly pickup days are assigned based on UNFI’s routing schedule creating consistent shipping patterns
• Dynamic transportation options: UNFI Logistics implements the fastest and most efficient route to move freight from UNFI’s private fleet, our dedicated crossdock network, or one of several contracted carriers

Getting started is simple.  If you are interested in finding out more details, please e-mail Jennifer Leite at logisticsservices@unfi.com.

Marketing Updates and Opportunities

There have been changes made to the 2020 UNFI Marketing Program Rates.  Please see the most up to date version here.

48 Hour Digital Program

UNFI tested this program early this summer and found amazing results.  Using large promotions (50% deals preferred), the program runs for 48 hours every other Monday with up to four non-competing brands at the same time.  Results to date have included a 930% lift on a popular water brand in August and an 819% lift on a nutritional bar brand!

• Perishable items are not accepted into the program.
• The program is designed for the independent channel, so UNFI is looking for high turning items in this channel that a customer would want to stock up on.

Please contact your SRM with any questions.

Broker Reporting

UNFI is introducing a bundle of broker reporting that is available to help brokers drive sales.  The broker must sign our Broker Report contract and secure the signatures of all suppliers that they represent.  We are offering the following reports:

• Monthly Purchase Order Report
• Channel Sales by Remit Report
• Product Info Report

With any questions, please reach out to Joe Roy at jroy@unfi.com.

July 2019 Supplier Community Update

Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) Updates

An updated list of UNFI Supplier Relationship Managers (SRMs), 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 (IPAR) contacts and assignments can be found here on UNFI’s Supplier Support Site.

Accounts Payable (AP) Updates

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

UNFI Recall Policy

At UNFI, the health and safety of our customers is a top priority and we are committed to distributing safe, high quality products that fully meet safety, regulatory standards. UNFI knows you are equally committed to these goals.  We recognize that situations may arise requiring immediate action in order to contain a problem and avoid potentially harmful products from entering or remaining in commerce. Our Product Recall & Withdrawal Policy for Suppliers (Recall Policy) helps us prepare for these incidents and provide guidance when actions are necessary.

Please read the entirety of UNFI’s Recall Policy here.

New Suppliers: Marketing With UNFI

When your products are accepted into UNFI, it is imperative that you promote them using UNFI's marketing vehicles.  See here for our suggestions for marketing in that key first year of partnering with UNFI.

2020 Showcases: New Show Lineup for Natural, Conventional, Fresh, and Specialty

Existing Events		2020 Shows	Location	Timing
Spring & Summer Buying Show		Natural & Conventional Show	Orlando, FL	February 18-19, 2020
Sell-abration, Biloxi, MS
Sell-abration, Miami, FL
Sell-abration, Atlantic City, NJ
Sell-abration, Chicago, IL		Conventional Show	Chicago, IL	Winter (TBD) 2020
Sell-abration, Minneapolis, MN		Conventional Show	Minneapolis, MN	Winter (TBD) 2020
Sell-abration, Tacoma, WA		NEW Fresh & Conventional Show	Sacramento, CA	April 1, 2020
Sell-abration, Long Beach, CA
Autumn Buying Show		Natural/Organic Show	Portland, OR	May 6-7, 2020
Holiday Buying Show		Natural/Organic Show	Mohegan Sun, Uncasville, CT	June 10-11, 2020
National EXPO		Conventional & Natural Show	St Paul, MN	July 28-30, 2020
Specialty Show		Specialty Show	San Francisco, CA	August 2020
Hawaii Show		Natural/Organic Show	Kona, HI	Fall (TBD) 2020

UNFI Meeting Management and Event Strategy will communicate finalized schedules and registration links as they become available.

April 2019 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.

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.

Market Centre

When UNFI acquired SUPERVALU, we knew Market Centre and UNFI had similar structures, business models, and product offerings, as well as a rich tradition of working with leading natural/organic, ethnic, and specialty and gourmet suppliers. After several months of review, we’ve made plans to integrate the two business units. I’m pleased to announce this combination under the leadership of Melissa Angle, UNFI Vice President of Supplier Management.

Melissa has assembled a strong team from the combined company, whose knowledge and experience will create a best-in-industry Supplier Management group focused on sourcing and delivering an even greater array of products. We will have tremendous cross-selling and other opportunities to help customers differentiate themselves in the marketplace.  We’re confident nobody else can offer customers what our combined company will.

You can expect the same commitment and service going forward as you have today. While changes will result from the integration, for now it’s business as usual, with our teams continuing to manage their brands/lines. We will notify you of any changes as decisions are made. 

We are excited about the future and look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead as we work together to bring the best products to our retailers.

Sales Update

Wegmans Account

Krista Specht has assumed the role of Senior Account Manager at Wegmans.  Krista has been with UNFI for over two years, previously managing the Roche Brothers business.  In the role of Senior Account Manager at Wegman’s, Krista is responsible for providing leadership to the team of UNFI Account Managers, while developing and executing sales strategies to drive sales growth in the account.

Kristen Quinn has also joined the Wegmans Account Team.  Kristen joins the UNFI family from a regional brokerage firm and will be responsible for managing conventional grocery category sales.

Tops Account

Phil Silvestri will serve as the Senior Account Manager with oversight responsibility of our Tops relationship.  In this role, Phil will be responsible for providing Category Management guidance to our Tops Customer Business Managers and working with our Broker and Supplier partners to drive sales through aggressive promotional planning and execution to support our mutual customer.

Weekly Deduction Status E-mails

A new weekly e-mail communication will provide great clarity to the deduction dispute process.  Weekly status updates will be sent to the same e-mail address that sent in the initial dispute providing transparency throughout the process.

UNFI Supplier Code of Conduct

UNFI has adopted a new Supplier Code of Conduct, which articulates its longstanding commitment to work only with Suppliers who share our values of operating in an ethical, legal, and environmentally friendly manner, putting in place safe working conditions and treating employees with respect.  Here is our Code of Conduct in full.

Long Term Out of Stock Policy

UNFI defines a Long Term Out of Stock as an item that is not available for four weeks or more.  When this situation arises, UNFI requires a letter to be submitted to their Supplier Manager that includes the following:

• The Root Cause of the Out of Stock Issue
• The ETA for Recovery
• The Brand, UPC, and Description of the item(s)

This letter must be on company letterhead and must be dated and signed.

CBD

Due to the ambiguity and inconsistencies around CBD with respect to federal and state laws, UNFI has made the decision to only sell non-consumable CBD products in limited states with the provision that Suppliers sign specific agreements, give adequate insurance, and full indemnification.  UNFI will also review labels and literature regarding the product to ensure that there are no claims suggesting that these products have psychotropic effects or will cure disease.

UNFI is not selling any consumable food, beverage, or dietary supplement containing CBD.

UNFI’s Legal Team has identified eight states where the risk of selling non-consumable CBD items is higher given legislation and/or enforcement activity at state and local levels in these states.  This map identifies the states where UNFI has made the decision to suspend selling non-consumables until we have more clarity.

Reach out to Lisa Madsen at lmadsen@unfi.com with any questions.

Unloading Rate Update

Since the acquisition of SUPERVALU, the combined UNFI organization has been making great strides in driving operational excellence within our supply chain operations.  As we continue to bring our two companies together, it’s clear that we have many opportunities to align policies, procedures and processes.  This alignment results in consistency and simplification for our suppliers, carriers and business partners.

Our operations leadership has applied focus to evaluating our combined company inbound management processes.  Both UNFI and SUPERVALU have historically leveraged the same business partner for unloading services at our collective distribution centers.  As we take steps to align our receiving policies with our unloading partners, it’s been made clear that their handling service fees do not reflect the current market rates within the food distribution industry.

We have completed an analysis to evaluate our position in the market and updates by our unloading service partners have been recently approved.  As a reminder, UNFI has not accepted increases from our unloading services since March 7, 2016.  Effective May 1, 2019 the unloading service rate for all UNFI distribution centers will be updated to $.09 per case.  All other elements of service fees will remain consistent with previous policies until we can fully align our service agreements across the entire UNFI enterprise.

Our goal moving forward is to build on the strengths of our supply chain operations as we merge UNFI and SUPERVALU together, leveraging the best of both to drive value.

UNFI Logistics Services

There’s a lot to do. You need to focus on the day-to-day needs of your business like making your product, staffing your office, and sourcing ingredients.

But it all comes down to getting your products to stores to be sold to customers, right? That’s a lot more complicated than it sounds.

Rely on UNFI Logistics to get your products to our warehouses. We have 50 experienced associates in constant contact with carriers, purchasing, and our warehouses to ensure safe and timely deliveries.

What are the benefits of utilizing UNFI Logistics?

• We can save you money and provide peace of mind
• We take ownership of your products at the time of pickup - no worries about lost or damaged freight
• We pay all unloading/lumper and appointment fees
• We have standing appointments at all our warehouses
• We have cross-country partnerships with best-in-class carriers
• We use state-of-the-art technology to schedule and track your shipment

What can I expect as a UNFI Logistics Managed Supplier?

• Simplified Planning – Our experienced associates manage the process from pickup to final delivery
• Standard Pickup Days – Regular weekly pickup day assigned based on UNFI’s routing schedule creates consistent shipping patterns
• Dynamic Transportation Options – UNFI Logistics implements the fastest and most efficient route to move freight, taking advantage of many different options, from UNFI’s private fleet, our dedicated crossdock network, or one of several contracted carriers

If you are interested in finding out more details, please e-mail Jennifer Leite at Ship4U@unfi.com.

January 2019 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.

New Team Member

Osvaldo (Ozzy) Monteiro, Group Manager - Wellness, Providence, RI.  Ozzy comes to us from Stop & Shop in which he held different roles of increasing responsibilities.  He reports to Lisa Madsen, Director of Wellness.

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.

• Earth Fare stores located in the Florida marketplace will now be served by our Sarasota DC.  This includes any volume from both Atlanta and Richburg.  This will take place near the end of January.
• Select Nutrition will be servicing most of the wellness products to The Fresh Market from our Philadelphia DC at the start of the calendar year.  

Sales Update

Publix Account

Jan Sumner will be joining the Publix team on January 7, 2019, coming to us from Advantage Sales and Marketing.  She will be taking on the responsibilities of Senior Account Manager.  Reporting to Jan will be Account Managers Allison Lee and Lauri Plaisted.

SEG Account

Donna Shami has been promoted to Senior Account Manager for SEG.  Dale Loosier, Karin Plitt, and Jodi Schwan will report to Donna.

Sales Management

The Lancaster, Atlanta, and Sarasota Regional Sales and Account Management teams will now be managed by:

• Matt Jensen – Lancaster DC
• Marion (Sam) Couch – Atlanta DC
• Brad Nauert – Sarasota DC

Category Management Opportunity

Would you like to learn how UNFI Category Management stays ahead of the trends?  Want to learn how to identify the next Paleo phenomenon?  Would you like to demonstrate to a retailer the total value your brand brings to the category?  Are there Category Management capabilities which could be supplemented or fully provided by UNFI?

If the answer is “yes” to any of the questions above, please join Phillip Arons, Director of Category Management for a webinar to find out our capabilities.  Please contact your Supplier Manager (SM) for a schedule, call in information, and any questions you may have about this program.  It can truly take your brand to the next level.

April Wellness Exchange

Don’t miss our UNFI Wellness Exchange show!  This show connects our Wellness suppliers with our top Wellness retailers.  This year, the show will be held on April 3-4, 2019 at the Hyatt Regency Coral Gables in Coral Gables, FL.  For more information, please contact your Supplier Manager.  To sign up for the show, click here.