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.
