October 2022 Supplier Update

UNFI Supplier Policies

Please review our updated Supplier Policies which are located on UNFI’s Supplier Support Site.

UNFI Press Release Policy

As specified in our Supplier Policies, without the written consent of UNFI, Supplier may not make or issue any public announcement, press release, advertisement, or marketing materials that refer to UNFI, to UNFI’s purchase of Products from Supplier, or to the subject matter of any agreement with UNFI.

All press releases and/or external announcements, including those from vendors, customers, community partners, and industry organizations, that use UNFI’s name, brand/logo, likeness, or description of our business or business relationships with others, must receive written approval from UNFI’s media relations team and that of either the Vice President of Communications or Chief Corporate Affairs Officer.

Approval of press releases are not guaranteed and must meet a business need that supports UNFI’s company narrative, be part of one of our strategic growth initiatives, or have SLT support and approval.  Engaging UNFI’s media relations team early in the process will allow us to help navigate the best options for supporting any request.  Press release reviews by UNFI require a minimum of four business days for review.  

UNFI may edit any language specific to our company, or the context win which the business relationship is described.  These edits must be accepted as part of the approval process.  If a press release is approved for distribution, it must be done on a day/time that is also approved by the company, to ensure releases don’t overlap or interfere with other UNFI planned announcements.

Please contact these individuals with questions:

• Jeff Swanson, VP of Communications, 612-306-7768, jeffrey.s.swanson@unfi.com

• Mike Wilken, Manager of Public Relations, 612-940-3876, michael.wilken@unfi.com 

Shipping & Handling Updates

UNFI is committed to building the best practices possible for our Suppliers and Transportation Carrier Partners.  In moving towards a one company experience, aligning receiving policies has become a key focus.  There are updates to the handling service fee structure to improve consistency, align with current market rates, and improve transparency for our partners.

The per case unloading rate will be 12.5 cents.  All DCs will have the same per case structure and rate.  Rates based upon “finished pallets” will be discontinued.  As a result, some suppliers will experience lower overall costs, while others may see a modest increase.  In totality, this change will result in an overall increase that is significantly less than the inflation rate.

UNFI will strictly enforce our Pallet Placard requirements.  UNFI continues to receive many unlabeled/unidentifiable pallets.  This leads to negative impacts to our join customers’ service level, potential shrink/loss of product integrity, and significant loss of productivity.  

Please review this document located on UNFI’s Supplier Support Site for more information.

UNFI Webinar Series

UNFI is excited to announce our upcoming Climate Action Webinar Series.  Join us, along with the team from Climate Collaborative and Shift Advantage, to explore the steps you can take to accelerate your climate action.

These webinars, informed by our Climate Action Guide, will cover the four stages of climate action: measure, commit, impact, and disclose.  They are perfect for anyone on your team that wants to learn more about how to take climate action and will feature case studies of companies on the leading-edge of this work.

Please get the word out to your teams.  Register now to attend or to receive the recording after these events.  You must register for each webinar separately.

• MEASURE – Learn more about the why and how of measuring your footprint
• Register Now: October 17, 2022; 1pm EST
• COMMIT – Explore why it is important to set a climate target and the different organizations that you can make a commitment through
• Register Now: October 25, 2022; 1pm EST
• IMPACT – Understand the full impact of your climate actions so that you report against your goals, engage your team, and learn from your efforts
• Register Now: November 14, 2022; 1pm EST
• DISCLOSE – Whether you are disclosing to shareholders or reporting your impacts in your sustainability report, disclosure is critical to ensuring transparency and engagement with your efforts
• Register Now: December 7, 2022; 1pm EST

Supplier Diversity: Benefits of Diverse Certification

It is our policy that minority, women, and diverse-owned business enterprises (MWBE) have an equal opportunity to participate in every aspect of our organization.  Suppliers who are MWBE and who work with MWBE will be viewed as providing added value to our organization.

Benefits of certification include free marketing programs, added trade show benefits, and additional customer opportunities.

To learn more about the importance of certifying or for information on how to certify, please reach out to supplierdiversity@unfi.com.

Facebook Posting Program

UNFI has an exciting new advertising program that offers our suppliers the ability to reach consumers through participating retailers’ Facebook pages.  Our Facebook Posting Program allows us to post supplier ads directly to consumers via a retailer’s Facebook page.  The ad will appear in their newsfeed for all the store’s followers to like, comment, and share.  More information can be found here on UNFI’s Supplier Support Site.

With questions, please reach out to your Supplier Merchandising Manager.

Supplier Merchandising Management (SMM) Updates

An updated list of UNFI SMMs, 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.

July 2022 Supplier Update

Supplier Awards

The following outstanding partners of UNFI were presented with awards at this year’s 2022 Mohegan Sun Natural Holiday Show.

Social Responsibility

• Proud Source Water only offers natural alkaline spring water from a protected water source.  All packaging is aluminum which is an infinitely recyclable material.
• Wild Planet practices selective harvesting to only target select species and stop wasteful fishing practices.  They are committed to small-scale fisheries and community fishermen who share their mission.
• Partake Foods partners with organizations like No Kid Hungry to provide access to the food, education, and advocacy these families deserve.  Partake is passionate about raising awareness of Black and female entrepreneurship and increasing opportunities for underrepresented people seeking careers in the food and beverage industry.

Performance

• Milk Bar sales have grown dramatically since their introduction at UNFI less than two years ago. They have brought great innovation to the table, debuting 40 new items.
• Mush Foods has nearly doubled its sales with UNFI over the past year.  These items are very on trend which has translated to high level growth in all channels of business.
• Siete does a tremendous amount of business with UNFI, and even with the high baseline, they managed to grow 23% year over year in sales.

Outstanding UpNext Partner

• Snacklins has been a great partner to work with.  Snacklins came to UNFI with a deal from Shark Tank and a partnership with DC area accelerator Union Kitchen.  Their vegan pork rinds are on trend.  They have grown 156% in the past year.

Shipping & Handling Guidelines

It is imperative that you make yourself familiar with this document located on UNFI’s Supplier Support Site.  Below are a few key callouts.

Case UPC Compliance

UNFI requires that all shipping cases must have scan-able barcodes on the outside of the case.  This allows UNFI to maximize the use of our technology for efficient and accurate receiving and product handling.

UNFI Placarding (Pallet Labeling) Requirement

Each pallet must be clearly labeled with a placard denoting the final destination UNFI distribution center name at the top and the UNFI PO number beneath.  This label, no smaller than 5X8 inches, must be placed on bottom left corner, under stretch wrap on two opposite sides of the pallet.  This is very important as we consolidate freight for many of our distribution centers.

Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)

We strongly encourage you to utilize Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), an electronic confirmation process proven to be efficient and accurate for purchase order and invoice exchange.  One of the benefits is real time notification of receipt and acceptance of invoice.  Invoice is then sent quickly to UNFI Accounts Payable for Payment.  Below are a few links to help you get started:

• EDI Contact Information
• Getting Started with EDI

Iron Valley Logistics Services

Tired of trying to find carrier capacity and spending too much time tracking loads?  Need creative solutions along with access to a wider mode and carrier selection?  Need rates you can depend on and budget to?  If the answer is yes, contact Iron Valley Logistics (IVS) Services to get a tailored solution designed by our team of logistics professionals.

Who Are We?

• IVL Services, a subsidiary of UNFI, leverages extensive industry experience and best-in-class, multi-mode carrier relationships to provide nationwide logistics service.
• We provide services across all industries and specialize in Food/Beverage transportation and cold chain solutions.
• We provide solutions for non-UNFI freight.

At Your Service

• Premium account management with a single point of contact for streamlined communication
• Real time tracking for transparent transportation and quick exception management
• Proactive and solution-based communication
• Flexible pricing options

How Do We Do It?

• Technology – IVL Services utilizes a robust, proprietary Transportation Management System to handle all aspects of your shipment’s logistics lifecycle, including supply chain visibility and tracking capabilities.
• Carrier Base – IVL maintains an industry-leading carrier portfolio, including all modes (OTR, IMD, and LDL) for dry and refrigerated shipments.
• Reporting – Customer reporting that is flexible, reliable, and sustainable.

Iron Valley Logistics Services, LLC combines industry insight, innovative technology, and committed customer service to improve your supply chain and streamline costs.  Contact us at info@IVLServices.com.

CDP Climate Change Questionnaire

Suppliers requested by UNFI to submit a CDP Climate Change Questionnaire this year are encouraged to do so by Wednesday, July 27th, CDP’s scoring deadline.  Please direct any questions about this program to climateaction@unfi.com or visit the CDP Help Center for more information.

Learn more about UNFI’s recently announced science-based climate targets and initiatives by visiting the Climate Action Hub.  The Hub contains tools and resources to support suppliers in reducing emissions.

Supplier Merchandising Management (SMM) Updates

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

New Team Members

Kimberly Ough, Supplier Merchandising Manager, Providence, RI.  Kim came to UNFI through the Haddon House acquisition and was a member of the purchasing team for more than half of her twenty plus years working at a food distributor.  She lives in South Jersey with her two daughters, her boyfriend, his three kids, and her rescue dog Diva.  She loves cooking, going to the beach, big family dinners, and UConn basketball.

Brittney Langlois, Supplier Development Manager, Providence, RI.  Brittney came to UNFI in 2017 working in Accounts Payable.  She then worked her way to Supplier Merchandising first as a coordinator, and then as a specialist.  Brittney lives in Rhode Island with her husband, daughter, and pup Max.  She loves nature walks, drawing, and spending time with family.

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.

April 2022 Supplier Update

Price Change Policy

During this time of unprecedented cost pressures, it is crucial all suppliers follow our policy regarding price changes.  This policy, in place for the last several decades, requires 90 days written notice on all price changes.  Notice period commences at the time complete and accurate paperwork is submitted to UNFI.

This notification period is required to allow retailers time to adjust their shelf prices and ensure the integrity of previously communicated pricing catalogs and promotional programs that reflect both regular and deal pricing to retailers months in the future.

Effective April 4th, please submit all changes for Natural Grocery, Frozen, Chill, and Branded Bulk to SupplierPriceChanges@unfi.com.  All price changes for our Natural GM, HBC, Wellness, Candy, Baby, Pet, and Nutritional Bar should be submitted to WellnessPriceChanges@unfi.com.  The completed price change submission should include the Price Change Form, a current price list, a spec sheet, and a cost justification letter on your letterhead. Please be sure to copy your Supplier Merchandising Manager.

It is our expectation that UNFI will be communicated changes at the same time, and with no sooner price change effective date, as other distributors and retailers.

For some commodity items, UNFI will accept less than 90 days, however, prior written approval from your Supplier Merchandising Manager is required.

MyUNFI Delivery Scheduling Appointment Database

Be sure to register for the MyUNFI delivery appointment scheduling site if you have not already done so.  This site provides easy access to schedule, reschedule, and view past and future inbound appointments to our facilities.  For further information or to sign up, please contact myunfiportalsetup@unfi.com. 

Site Benefits:

• Makes scheduling appointments quicker and provides visibility to view standing, scheduled, and past appointments.
• Upon submitting your load information, you will receive immediate response with available appointment times.
• Select your preferred appointment time and the UNFI Inbound Logistics (IBL) team will review and approve.
• A confirmation email from TMSApp@unfi.com with approved appointment time will be sent, and it will appear in the Upcoming tab of your dashboard.
• Rescheduling existing appointment times can be easily done in the portal and a new confirmation email will be sent.

Supplier Diversity Program: Register Now!

UNFI is committed to developing, fostering, and retaining relationships with diverse businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans (and service-disabled veterans), and members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Are you a certified diverse-owned business?  Throughout the year we will be featuring brands on social media, through print publications, and at our tabletop showcases.  Let us use our platform to amplify your brand story and get your products in front of our retail partners.  For the opportunity to be featured please register with our Supplier Diversity Program on the UNFI Supplier Registration Portal.

Are you a diverse-owned business looking to get certified?  We can provide information on our affiliated third-party certifiers.  Please email us at supplierdiversity@unfi.com for more information.

In Person Meetings

UNFI is once again allowing in person meetings at corporate headquarters in Providence, RI.  All visitors must be vaccinated against COVID-19.  Upon arrival, visitors will be asked to sign an attestation form confirming their vaccinated status.

UNFI UpNext

The UNFI UpNext program is inviting new brands to apply for entry here.  The process and parameters of the program have shifted.  UpNext is committed to emerging brands, diverse suppliers, and category disruptors.  All that apply will be given customized feedback on their brand and how they could best partner with a distributor like UNFI.  If an application stands out, the UpNext team will request a short video detailing why the brand and its offerings are a good fit for the program.

For more information on the program click here, check out the website, or email UNFIUpNext@unfi.com.

Community Marketplace by UNFI Celebrates Their One Year Anniversary!

UNFI’s Community Marketplace program creates a growing universe of products that aren’t carried in our DCs.  Dropship capable suppliers can enhance visibility for their entire portfolio of items without meeting DC and Customer movement requirements.  Reach out to marketplace@unfi.com with questions and/or products!

Supplier Merchandising Management (SMM) Updates

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

New Team Members

Jack Hazard, Supplier Merchandising Manager, Providence, RI.  Jack has been with UNFI since 2018 and comes to the team from his most recent role of Senior Buyer & Forecaster.  He is attending the University of Maine for his MBA.  He reports to Ozzy Monteiro, Senior Manager Supplier Merchandising.  Jack is a Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres fan.

Patrick Bowlby, Supplier Merchandising Manager, Providence, RI.  Patrick had been working in various roles on the Procurement team, most recently as a Buyer II managing some of the larger desks.  He has retail experience which helps to build a strong foundation to his understanding of the Supplier Merchandising role.  Patrick reports to Amie Thayer, Senior Manager Supplier Merchandising.

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.

 

January 2022 Supplier Update

Service Level Updates

Service level continues to be the most critical issue we face in our industry.  We see and understand the roadblocks that you’re facing regarding shortages, transportation, and other variables.  It is imperative that you communicate with your Supplier Merchandising Manager and Buyer whenever something comes up that could interrupt supply in any way.  Please also reach out with suggestions and recommendations on how best to order to maximize your production and inventory availability.

When we work together, we do what’s best for our mutual customers.  We thank you for the partnership.

Chief Supply Chain Officer – Mark Bushway

We are pleased to announce that Mark Bushway has been appointed our new Chief Supply Chain Officer.  Mark will lead our team supporting our fulfillment network across North America.  He will officially assume his new role and responsibilities on Monday, January 3rd, 2022.

Mark has been our President of the Atlantic Region since 2018.  Mark’s wealth of experience and unique balance in both distribution and sales will make him an outstanding leader for our fulfillment network.

Pacific Region President – Bob Garibaldi

Bob Garibaldi has been named President of the Pacific Region effective immediately.  Bob has served as UNFI’s Senior Vice President of Sales in the Pacific Region since 2018.  He began his career with UNFI’s Pacific region following the acquisition of SUPERVALU.  Before that, Bob spent 22 years in various leadership roles overseeing sales and customer service on the west coast for both SUPERVALU and Unified Grocers. 

Please join me in congratulating Mark and Bob on their new roles.

myUNFI Carrier Appointments

Carrier Appointments within myUNFI provides the ability to schedule and/or reschedule inbound appointments at UNFI facilities online for faster service.  It also provides visibility to view standing, scheduled, and past appointments.

To utilize the service and add users, please request a login by emailing MyUNFIPortalSetup@unfi.com.  Be sure to include your email address, name, carrier company, and a contact phone number to receive access. 

You can learn more about myUNFI Carrier Appointments here.

UNFI Annual Advertising Agreement Utilization

In accordance with the UNFI Annual Advertising Agreement, if one submits more ads than allotted by each agreement, the supplier will be charged the a la carte Ad Insertions Rate.  Suppliers are responsible for tracking their ad utilization against the allotted ads for their specified agreement level.  This policy is effective March 1st, 2022.  Here is the current Annual Advertising Agreement.  If there are further questions, please contact your Supplier Merchandising Manager.

Supplier Merchandising Management (SMM) Updates

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

New Team Member

Aaron May, Senior Manager - UpNEXT, Providence, RI.  Aaron has been promoted from his role as a Supplier Merchandising Manager to lead the UpNEXT team forward.  He reports to Maureen Hines, Senior Director of Supplier Services.

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.