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.
