Friday, October 4, 2019

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.