UNFI and Businesses For Climate Action

This year, we are thankful to you for joining us on a journey to a healthier planet.  UNFI is standing up for climate and just signed on our support to ensure climate action becomes a national priority in 2021.

Will you join us in signing the We Are All In letter?

The letter calls for economic growth through climate action coming out of the COVID-19 crisis, and it represents a widespread coalition of cities, states, businesses, universities, health care, and cultural institutions.  More than 150 of our peers—from Clif Bar to Nature’s Path, Happy Family Organics, and more—have signed on already, and we expect hundreds more in the coming weeks.

We know that none of us in the business community can solve the climate crisis alone.  We need to work in partnership with all of you, and with our government—knowing that together, we can solve this.  UNFI is proud to be among the hundreds of companies signing on to the We Are All In letter, and we hope that your company will too.

To add your name, you can sign up at businessesforclimateaction.com or email info@climatecollaborative.com with questions.

Service Level Supplier Communication

UNFI’s commitment to service level continues to be at the forefront of servicing our customers’ needs. 

Upon the start of the pandemic, UNFI stopped applying service level fees in good faith and in recognition of the significant and extraordinary demand increases our supplier partners experienced.  By doing so, our supplier partners had the opportunity to ramp up production and material sourcing.  Since then, we’ve worked collaboratively with our suppliers to maximize productivity and production, while ensuring fair share inventory allocations. 

Today, UNFI’s customers are extremely concerned with continued service level challenges and are seeking assurances that we’re jointly doing everything possible to support their needs.

As a result, effective December 1, 2020, UNFI will reinstate a significantly adjusted, thoughtful, and limited service level fee process. In respect for very real challenges our suppliers face, UNFI will consider the reinstatement of service level fees at purchase order fulfillment rates of 80% or less.  Should a supplier fall below 80% inbound service level fulfillment for four weeks in a row, they will be included in a robust review by the Supplier Management/Merchandising team.  If this analysis identifies UNFI is receiving our fair share of product, supplier partners are being open and transparent, and UNFI is positioned to deliver the best possible service level to our mutual customers, no service level fees will be applied.

Additionally, our supplier managers will reach out to you to provide a 30-day cure period when a decision to apply service level fees has been reached.

The fee structure commences at 3% of the value of entire shorted product, after applying a 20% out of stock grace factor (80% purchase order fulfillment rate as a base).  In addition to the fee, UNFI may also deemphasize, in a variety of ways, brands or items exhibiting unacceptable service levels/corrective supplier actions for a period of time. These actions may culminate in brand or product discontinuations as necessary. 

Please keep in mind that UNFI has refrained from applying automatic service level penalties in this environment that demand extraordinary fulfillment rates, as other retailers and distributors have introduced recently.

Service level performance is crucially important to the success of our mutual retail customers today. It is important to note that UNFI is solely focused on establishing a consistent level of service from our Suppliers and will work in partnership with you to ensure corrective action plans are put in place before assessing any fee. 

Your UNFI Supplier Manager/Merchandiser will work with you in every reasonable way to assist your delivery of a strong service level. Should you have any questions or concerns, please promptly reach out to your Supplier Manager/Merchandiser. Thank you for your continued partnership and attention to this serious matter. 

October 2020 Supplier Update

Service Level Updates

We thank you for your partnership and your efforts to fortify the supply chain during these unprecedented times.  We invite collaboration to ensure that our facilities always have the highest impact item assortment.  Your assistance in this process allows us to procure and distribute with the confidence that we will satisfy our mutual customers. 

Please continue to provide constant communication on shortages to your SRM, your Buyer, and the Supplier Pandemic Planning alias at supplierpandemicplanning@unfi.com.  Here are some valuable subjects you should keep UNFI aware of: 

• Brands/Items of Concern
• Updates should include issues your company is facing in production, your plan of action, and a full recovery date. 
• Long Term Out of Stocks (LTOOS) Items
• UNFI defines LTOOS items as those that cannot be purchased for four weeks or more.
• Seasonal Items
• Provide information on items that typically receive a significant spike in sales during the holiday months.  Are you able to provide the same amount of product as in previous years?  More?  We also invite offers of other seasonal items that could be a good fit for UNFI.
• Creative Solutions
• These could take the form of greater order lead times, fewer and larger orders, or standing orders for shipment as soon as product may be available.  Please provide lists of items that UNFI may not carry extensively or at all where you have additional inventory.
• SKU Rationalization
• This could be within your own production or within UNFI's facilities.  Please provide information on items that have been de-emphasized or discontinued, either permanently or temporarily, to focus on production of higher-volume items.  UNFI strives to ensure that critical and higher-volume SKUs within our distribution centers are maintained while lower impact SKUs are actioned appropriately to minimize service level lapses.  We welcome your input as you know your products and challenges better than anyone.

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.

New Team Member

We are pleased to announce that Sarah Callendar has joined the SRM team reporting to Amie Thayer.  Sarah has been with UNFI for six years in many departments including Customer Care and Procurement.  Sarah will be handling categories that include Frozen Desserts, Frozen Bread and Baked Goods, Deli Prep Food, In Store Fresh Bakery, Frozen Bulk Entrees, and Chill Dairy & Non Dairy Single Serve Beverages.

Procurement Team Updates

An updated list of UNFI Procurement Team 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.

Sales Team Contact Updates

An updated list of Sales Team contacts can be found here on UNFI’s Supplier Support Site.

Transportation and Logistics Update

On October 3^rd, the UNFI Logistics Team will complete a major milestone in our ONEUNFI strategy by deploying our Transportation Management System (TMS) into all Conventional DCs.  This is an exciting and critical step to streamlining and standardizing several processes across the supply chain.  While the impacts to our Supplier community will be limited, one important change to be aware of is Dock Scheduler via SV Harbor will be decommissioned during this transition.  After October 3^rd, all inbound delivery appointments will be scheduled through the National Inbound Logistics Master Scheduling Team.  See here for valuable information on appointments and below for FAQs.

• How do I request appointments at a UNFI Distribution Center?
• Please review the list of e-mail addresses that you can contact to set up an appointment found on UNFI’s Supplier Support Site.
• What information do I need to provide when requesting an appointment?
• Please provide a PO number along with the date and time you wish to deliver.  Keep in mind that appointment requests must be submitted a minimum of 72 hours prior to requested appointment date and time.
• How long will it take for me to receive a response?
• Appointment requests submitted by 2pm (local time, based on where you are delivering) will be responded to during the same business day.  Appointment requests submitted after 2pm will be responded to the following business day.  Appointment confirmations will be autogenerated by UNFI's TMS and will be sent from TMSAPP@UNFI.com. 
• What should I do if I am given an appointment that does not work for me or my carrier?
• Appointments are prioritized based on a number of factors including expected date, inventory position, and customer committed orders.  We will provide you with the most optimal appointment time based on your request and these factors.  If you cannot make your appointment time, you can request a reschedule.  Please keep in mind, rescheduling appointments require a minimum of 24 hours’ notice.
• Are there any other ways I can schedule an appointment?
• Not at this time.  You must send an e-mail to your respective Master Scheduler to set up an appointment.  In the near future, we will release information regarding the UNFI Scheduling Portal via myUNFI.      

Spark Meetings – Now Available for NorCal

Beginning in December, we are expanding Spark meetings to NorCal (ROC/GIL/GLY).  The meetings are currently planned as virtual due to COVID.  They are a great way to drive incremental sales for your brand.  The webinar-based meetings will include the independent sales team for the NorCal region.  We are continuing to offer virtual Spark meetings in the Atlantic, South, and Central regions.

For additional information, please reach out to Wyneth Emmons at wemmons@unfi.com.

July 2020 Supplier Update

Service Level Updates

We thank you for your partnership and appreciate the difficulties that these unprecedented times have created.  We want to work closely with our Supplier partners to find solutions to service level issues for our mutual customers.  Please provide constant communication on shortages to your SRM, your Buyer, and the Supplier Pandemic Planning (supplierpandemicplanning@unfi.com) alias.  There is no such thing as over communicating, and you do not have to wait to be asked for updates.  Here are some tremendously valuable subjects you should keep UNFI aware of:

• Brands/Items of Concern
• Consistent updates should include issues your company is facing in production, a plan of action, and a full recovery date.  This is valuable information for both UNFI and our mutual customers.
• Long Term Out of Stock Items
• UNFI defines Long Term Out of Stock (LTOOS) items as those that cannot be purchased for four weeks or more.
• Seasonal Items
• Please provide information on items that typically receive a significant spike in sales for holiday months.  Are you able to provide the same amount of these products as in previous years?  Less?  More?  These order windows are right around the corner.  Also, please let us know if you have any other seasonal items that could be a good fit for UNFI.
• Creative Solutions
• These could take the form of greater order lead times, fewer and larger orders, or standing orders for shipment as soon as product may be available.  
• Provide lists of items that UNFI may not carry or may not carry extensively where you have a lot of inventory.

The landscape is constantly shifting, and we need to shift with it as quickly as possible.  These shifts are easier to accomplish with creative and collaborative thinking.

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.

Procurement Team Updates

An updated list of UNFI Procurement Team 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.

Sales Team Contact Updates

An updated list of Sales Team contacts can be found here on UNFI’s Supplier Support Site.

Customer Portal Search Term Program

We are excited to share a new marketing vehicle here at UNFI, the Customer Portal Search Term Program.  It’s incredibly simple.  Your brand “owns” a search term on the Customer Portal for at least one quarter.  When that term is searched on the Customer Portal, a banner ad of your choosing will pop up and the first three SKUs listed will be yours.

The Customer Portal has 65,000 unique, active accounts with 70% of them being Independent stores.

Response data is provided at the end of the ad run.  This includes total impressions, clicks, and percentage of increased activity to your product listing page as well as percentage of increased sales through the portal.

Reach out to Aaron May at amay@unfi.com to discuss setting your brand up for success using the Customer Portal Search Term Program.

Post COVID19 Marketing Strategy

At the height of the COVID19 pandemic, many Suppliers pulled back on promotions in order to keep up with the incredible demand triggered by altered consumer behavior.  We now are happy to debut three new programs to help Suppliers quickly engage in marketing programs.

Rapid Deals

This new program is similar to our Monthly Specials program.  It uses the same format, minus the images.  Customers will receive an e-mail each month of the items that are on deal.  These discounts will also be listed on our Customer Portal.  Deals must be submitted at least eight weeks in advance.

48 Hour Deals

This bi-weekly program helps move your product to Retailers’ shelves using a very strong deal.  This program has averaged lifts that exceed 200%.

E-mail Marketing

Our E-mail Marketing helps Suppliers quickly get the word out to Customers regarding news like pack changes, being back in stock, offering deals, and other news that could be helpful to the Retail community.

For more information on these programs, please contact your SRM.

UNFI Logistics Services

UNFI Logistics Services are available to our entire Supplier community, both Natural and Conventional.  We have sixty experienced associates located from coast to coast that are focused on moving product from Suppliers into every distribution center.  Our team is in constant contact with carriers, purchasing, and our warehouses to ensure safe and timely deliveries.

What are the benefits of utilizing UNFI Logistics?

• We take ownership of your products at the time of pickup
• 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
• 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

Getting started is simple. If you are interested in finding out more details, please e-mail Jonathan Wik at LogisticsServices@unfi.com.

4.9.2020 COVID-19 Update

We are grateful to all our suppliers for your extraordinary commitment to service our mutual customers, as well as all Americans.  It is critically important that we continue doing everything possible to maintain the flow of food, and key non-food items, to all retailers.  They are counting on all of us.

Previously, we updated you on the extraordinary demand UNFI was experiencing from our customers, resulting in historically high purchase orders being placed by our procurement team to continue meeting that record demand.  Before, we asked for your help to aid us to be as efficient and effective as possible by communicating order shortages, shipping updates, and ordering guideline changes.  This request remains.  Please continue to communicate these updates as early as possible to SupplierPandemicPlanning@unfi.com.

Due to this increased volume, UNFI is also implementing changes at our distribution centers, such as:

• Ongoing increase of appointment capacity creating additional inbound opportunities
• Expanded receiving schedules, to include Saturdays in many locations, beginning April 18th 
• Improved flexibility to work-in late appointment arrivals, beginning April 20th 

To maximize the efficiencies of these changes, please:

• Request delivery appointments as soon as possible, preferably three business days in advance
• Review orders in transit and follow up with your transportation provider to confirm shipments  will deliver on-time
• Reschedule appointments at least 24 hours in advance
• Avoid “no call, no show” situations.  Not arriving for a scheduled delivery appointment impacts warehouse productivity.  It is better to arrive late and be worked in than not arriving at all.
• Communicate product delays, shortages, and ordering guideline changes

Thank you for your partnership and your amazing support during this time.  Please forward these updates to the appropriate people in your organization.  Feel free to reach out to your merchandiser/ supplier manager with any questions.

3.26.2020 COVID-19 Update

Let me begin with THANK YOU. We are grateful to all UNFI suppliers for the extraordinary work you are doing to service our mutual customers, as well as all Americans. It is crucially important that we continue doing everything possible to facilitate the flow of food, and key non-food items, to all retailers. They are counting on us.

The extraordinary demand experienced by our customers continues at a record pace, resulting in historically high purchase orders being placed by our Procurement team in an effort to continue meeting this demand.  We have one critical ask of you to help us be as efficient and effective as possible. Please communicate updates on the following:

• any purchase order shortages you expect
• any shipping updates (any change in PO availability date for pick up on UNFI managed freight or any scheduled delivery changes/updates on supplier managed freight)
• and/or any future changes to your previously communicated ordering guidelines (lead time, minimum orders, allocations, etc)

This is critical information that will help us better manage our business, and we need this information
whenever you have it available. While UNFI typically asks you to share this information 72 hours or more in advance of our pickup, or your delivery, we need to receive any and all updates you have available regardless of their timing. To facilitate the large amount of Purchase Order and Shipping Update information we expect to receive, please send all such communications to the following email until further notice:
SupplierPandemicPlanning@unfi.com

Your regular UNFI contacts in Merchandising and Supplier Management stand ready to address any questions or concerns you may have. Thank you for your partnership and your amazing support during this time.

3.20.2020 Supplier Update

In these unprecedented times, UNFI has taken several steps to adapt to the incredible increase in
customer demand while protecting the safety of our associates. We continue to follow all CDC and
government recommendations to help slow the spread of COVID-19. We are keeping our eyes on the
rapidly evolving landscape in the hopes of truly being great partners and doing what’s right. In that
spirit, here are some updates.

Showcases
Many of you are aware that we had planned on replacing our in person selling shows in Sacramento, CA and Portland, OR with online ordering events. Given the evolving situation, we have made the decision to postpone these virtual shows. Our retailers need our support more than ever, and their priorities are our top consideration. If a better time is found to host a virtual show, we will be sure to communicate that directly. Our team will be reaching out to exhibitors to provide full refunds. Thank you for your understanding.

Accounts Payable
Most of our corporate associates in all office locations began working remotely this week, including our Accounts Payable team. We feel this is the best approach to ensure continued operations and keep everyone healthy. We are doing everything we can to stay connected to our colleagues and our
business partners. To that end, please see this listing of UNFI primary and secondary Accounts
Payable contacts. Do not hesitate to reach out if there is anything you need. We ask that you exhibit
patience and understanding if we are a little slow getting back to you.

On behalf of everyone at UNFI, thank you for your partnership and help to ensure that our retailers
continue meeting consumer needs during this time of unprecedented demand. Thank you.

3.16.2020 COVID-19 Update

UNFI remains committed to sharing any new or relevant information related to COVID-19; here is the latest information and actions we’re taking to minimize disruption.

COVID-19 is a dynamic situation with far-reaching implications, as seen by the cancellation and
postponement of many major events and activities this week. As North America’s largest publicly-traded food wholesaler, we know we are a critical link in the overall supply chain. All decisions we’re making are to ensure associates safety and business continuity. I’m extremely proud of our teams’ response to the increased volume on all fronts and, particularly, in support of our customers. Please know we continue monitoring the latest CDC and FDA information, and are taking necessary precautions to keep all our stakeholders safe during this time.

Unprecedented product demand has continued building over the past week. The COVID-19 volume
surge has now impacted all UNFI DC’s and some warehouse locations are receiving orders for 200%-500% normal demand. In addition to historic demand for “pantry loading” SKUs we are now
experiencing surges on additional product categories as consumers prepare for school children being
home and adapt to eating more meals at home. We’ve taken steps to build product inventory and will
continue working diligently with you to secure all products. On Sunday afternoon, our CEO participated in a conference call with the White House to reaffirm our commitment to working tirelessly to meet the needs of customers and consumers across the country. You can read about it here.

We know this is a rapidly-changing and quickly evolving situation. Your support is critical. We ask your immediate help in the following ways:

• Please keep your UNFI contacts apprised of any potential supply disruptions so we may ensure the best possible support of our joint customers
• Reconfirm any planned in-person UNFI meetings; arrange to conduct them virtually, whenever possible
• Please present any collaborative opportunities so, together, we may maximize our ability to address this unprecedented retail demand

Additionally, we want you to know about a change we’ve made at our distribution centers to better
accommodate the significant increase in inbound and outbound deliveries. Specifically, suppliers should know that:

• Effective immediately we will be waiving late truck compliance fees (due to COVID-19)
• This change will extend for the next 30 days at which point we’ll revisit the situation

Regarding upcoming shows:

• On March 5th, UNFI announced the transition of our Fresh Show, scheduled for April 1, 2020 in Sacramento, CA to an online show, supported with web-based participation tools which allow customers and suppliers to collaboratively drive sales for the pre-defined shipping windows. 
• The next scheduled UNFI event is our Portland, OR Tabletop Show on May 5-6, 2020. Today, we’ve decided to replace this in-person show with a virtual show, also supported by web-based participation tools. As a result of this decision, suppliers will receive a refund of the majority of their previously committed booth fee.
• Future UNFI events include:
• Mohegan Sun (Connecticut) Tabletop Show June 10-11, 2020
• Minneapolis, MN Expo August 9-11, 2020
• Tony’s Fine Foods Show August 19, 2020
• Las Vegas Tabletop, September 30 – October 1, 2020
• If you have committed to attend or exhibit at any of these events, we ask you to consider not changing your plans at this time. UNFI’s promise is to continue proactively addressing future events in a timely fashion, and not put you in a position of incurring any unnecessary expenses.

As of today, we are pleased that we have not had any confirmed incidents in our warehouse or offices.  We have created and are evolving business continuity plans including preparing for all situations, including outbreaks such as we’re experiencing right now with COVID-19. This means we are readying ourselves for a scenario in which we might have to temporarily close a facility or shift work due to environmental constraints (i.e. travel restrictions). To ensure we protect our associates and that full-scale facility operations continue without interruption, we’ve taken further preventative measures and made several key decisions this week, including:

• Social distancing – we’ve communicated and implemented plans to minimize participation in any large group meeting, as well as eliminated all non-essential business travel
• Remote work preparation – out of an abundance of caution we’re preparing those associateswho have the capability to potentially work remotely
• Minimizing office meetings with outside suppliers/customers – we are reducing in-person meetings at our offices and facilities to only those that are essential, and seeking alternate means of conducting business partner meetings
• Tacoma office closure – we’ve closed our Tacoma office and asked all associates there to work remotely for the next 14 days, as the state of Washington continues to be one of the more high-risk areas
• Engaging professional cleaning companies to conduct deep cleaning in our distribution centers and office facilities to help ensure a safe working environment for our associates

COVID-19 and the corresponding consumer behavior remain unpredictable but, with your help and
prioritization of our partnership, we’ll continue adapting to meet consumer and retailer needs. Thank
you.

March 2020 Supplier Update

COVID-19 Update (Coronavirus)

Our customers and consumers expect UNFI to deliver safe and high-quality products on time - all the time.  This requires UNFI and our trusted suppliers to prepare for unexpected events such as natural disasters, cyber threats, global environmental issues, and, as we are experiencing most recently in the form of COVID-19, threats of infectious disease.  We rely on our suppliers to have plans in place to minimize any downstream impact from these types of events to UNFI’s customers and consumers and to notify us immediately if events like the COVID-19 will compromise either the safety of the products you supply or your ability to fulfill UNFI’s orders in full and on time.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and many other public health agencies are monitoring COVID-19.  Current guidance from these agencies all indicate there is no evidence to date to suggest that food and other products imported into the United States from China or other impacted countries in accordance with applicable food safety and other regulations governing such imports pose a risk of COVID-19 transmission to consumers.  We request that you verify that the food safety programs that you (and your suppliers, if applicable) have in place, are effective and are working as intended.  Moreover, please ensure your employees are washing hands properly, practicing good personal hygiene, avoiding bare hand contact, controlling all food safety hazards, and are following cleaning and sanitation procedures.

We understand that COVID-19 may disrupt many product supply chains based on such issues as production delays, worker shortages, and/or transportation availability.  If you anticipate any impact to your business from COVID-19 that might disrupt your ability to fill UNFI’s current or future orders, please immediately provide an update to your UNFI Merchandiser and/or Supplier Relationship Manager immediately, so that we can address as needed.

In addition, for the safety of our associates, we request that if anyone from your organization has recently been to impacted countries, particularly China, or has been in contact with others who have confirmed cases of COVID-19 to follow the CDC guidance, as well as notifying our teams prior to visiting our locations. Please reach out directly to your UNFI Merchandiser and/or Supplier Relationship Manager as needed.

As this outbreak is rapidly changing, we will continue to monitor the situation and update information as it is necessary.  We appreciate your partnership and support around this issue.

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.

Procurement Team Updates

An updated list of UNFI Procurement Team 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.

Sales Team Contact Updates

An updated list of Sales Team contacts can be found here on UNFI’s Supplier Support Site.

Unloading Rate Update

UNFI continues to drive operational excellence within our supply chain and distribution network.  Our operations leadership is consistently assessing policies including inbound management processes.

We have recently completed an analysis to benchmark our position in the market regarding unloading rates, and updates by our unloading service partners have been recently approved.  Effective April 4, 2020, the unloading service rate for all UNFI natural distribution centers will be updated to $.105 per case.  All other elements of service fees will remain consistent with previous policies.  There will be no change to conventional distribution centers at this time.

UNFI’s goal is to build on the strengths of our combined supply chain operations and align practices for consistency with our suppliers, carriers, and business partners.

Spark Meetings

We are pleased to announce the launch of Spark Meetings in the Central Region.  This highly engaging meeting format allows you to connect with account managers directly in the region, drive excitement around your brand, and offer a deal to drive sales with accounts in the region.  During this meeting, each supplier participates in the ‘speed-dating’ style format to meet with account managers.  The meetings are a great way to promote your brand and help drive sales in the region.  Spaces fill up fast!  Reach out to your SRM or Nikki Stimmel (nstimmel@unfi.com) for more information.

Monster Buys

We are excited to announce the launch of Monster Buys!  Beginning with the Portland Showcase, this program will be a key selling feature at our shows.  With premium location at the front of the show floor, the items showcased in Monster Buys are intended to drive excitement and high volume sales!  Suppliers must attend the show to be featured in Monster Buys and deals are exclusive to customers attending the show.

Minimum Deal: 35% with BOGO’s strongly encouraged.

Program Rates are as follows:
• Tier 1:  1-5 Items Monster Buys, $1,000
• Tier 2:  6-10 Items Monster Buys, $1,500
• Tier 3:  11-15 Items Monster Buys. $2,000

With the launch of Monster Buys, DMD will no longer be a program offered at Showcases.

January 2020 Supplier Update

Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) Updates

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

Procurement Team Updates

An updated list of UNFI Procurement Team 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.

Sales Team Contact Updates

An updated list of Sales Team contacts can be found here on UNFI’s Supplier Support Site.

Third Party Billing Admin Fee Change

UNFI offers optional Third Party Billing services to Suppliers to streamline our Customers’ financial transactions and pass through billings directly to Suppliers as requested of us.  Our current fee structure for this service has remained the same for many years, while the cost to support the volume and size of this activity has risen significantly.  We have reviewed the past years’ activity and determined that it is necessary to modify the current structure to cover the costs associated with managing this process.

Please be advised that beginning on February 2, 2020, the new fee structure for this optional service will be a minimum $20 fee per invoice and a maximum $500 fee per invoice.  All other parameters of the program, including the 10% administration fee rate, will remain the same.

These charges will be applied and deducted on all Third Party Billing services you elect to have UNFI execute for remittances submitted to UNFI from the effective date, regardless of when the activity occurred.

As is currently the case, backup data is dependent on what the Retailer provides and may include:

• Deduction Code Noted on a Supplier’s remittance
• Retailer Name
• Retailer’s Invoice #
• Type of Deduction
• Retailer’s Deduction Amount
• UNFI Admin Fee
• Total Deduction Amount

Should you have any questions, please reach out to your SRM.

UNFI Educational Series

Our Educational Series for Suppliers has been updated for 2020.  Click here and read all six volumes covering a multitude of subjects for partnering with UNFI.

NEW!  Sponsored Order Guides on Our Customer Portal

Our Customers are ordering through UNFI’s Customer Portal more than ever.  The home page gets approximately 325,000 – 350,000 views per month, mostly from our Independent Customers.  Suppliers are now able to feature their items within a curated Product Listing on our Order Guide page.  The Order Guide page is used by customers for quick access to their custom lists they have created for easier purchasing.  Now we are going to be listing our Sponsored Order Guides on this page as well.

There are two parts to this program:

• Monthly Theme Opt-In (Invite Only)
• Vendor Specific Sponsored Listing

Each month, there will be themes created and Suppliers are invited to have items listed as well.  There is also an option for Suppliers with multiple brands to have all items listed in a one stop listing for easier ordering for our Customers.

From the onset of this program, traffic on the Order Guide Site has increased 450%!  Don’t miss out on this great digital opportunity.  For more information, please contact Emma Padden at epadden@unfi.com.

UNFI Logistics

Did you know that UNFI’s Logistics Services are available for both Natural and Conventional Suppliers?  We have 60 experienced associates located coast to coast focused on moving product from Suppliers into every Distribution Center (DC).  Our team is in constant contact with carriers, purchasing, and our DCs to ensure safe and timely deliveries.

What Are the Benefits of Utilizing UNFI Logistics?

UNFI can save you money and provide peace of mind.

• We take ownership of your products at the time of pickup, so there are no worries about lost or damaged freight.
• We pay all unloading, lumper, and appointment fees.
• We have standing appointments at all of our DCs
• 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 – A regular weekly pickup day is assigned based on UNFI’s routing schedule to create consistent shipping patterns.
• Dynamic Transportation Options – The UNFI Logistics Team implements the fastest and most efficient route to move freight, taking advantage of many options such as 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 about UNFI Logistics Services, please reach out to Jonathan Wik at logisticsservices@unfi.com.