March 2024 Supplier Update

Hello to our valued supplier and broker partners!  Thank you for taking the time to read these key updates and working with us on our multi-year transformation plan.  We value your partnership.

Legacy Natural Programs Update

We continue our path of transforming how we do business with the end goal remaining in sight: to be the distributor of choice, while providing less complex and more transparent partnerships.  While our goal has remained unchanged, we do understand that getting to a singular experience requires significant technological enhancements and consistent engagement with our external partners.  With this approach, we can drive towards the end goal of delivering one UNFI experience to our retailers, suppliers, brokers, associates, and shareholders.

To ensure we execute this flawlessly, we have made the conscious decision to pause the integration of the legacy natural programs, Natural Connection and Hot Sheets, into the Region Retail Merchandising planning cycle.  These programs will continue to be planned and negotiated by the Supplier Relationship Manager (SRM) for all programs executed through 2025.

Additionally, we are committed to continuing the momentum on building out the Save Every Day (SED) and Shippers and Pallets program in natural.  These programs will continue to be managed by the Region Merchandising teams.

We will progress towards assigning SRMs to all Grocery, Frozen, and Dairy suppliers over time (6-12 months), and will inform you each step of the way.

We appreciate your patience as we transform the world of food together.  Should you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to your SRM or Category Manager (CM).

ePass Training for Suppliers and Brokers

You can access our “How to Use ePass for Suppliers and Brokers” video as part of our Educational Series here on UNFI’s Supplier Support Site.  This video is designed to help suppliers and brokers navigate the SVHarbor ePass application for tasks such as searching for remittance and payment information, submitting deduction dispute passes, and requesting assistance through inquiries.

Detention Charges

In this section, we detail the process of obtaining payment from UNFI for detention charges. Below are some key call-outs, but if you’d like to read our policy in full, please read page ten of our Shipping and Handling Policies here.

To be eligible to request detention charges, a carrier needs to have received a time stamp from the receiving office showing the driver arrived no later than 15 minutes after the scheduled appointment time.  The detention form must be requested prior to departure on the day of the scheduled appointment.

The detention form must be filled out by a Capstone Logistics representative correctly and accurately, and it must be signed by a UNFI supervisor.

UNFI Charity Classic

On May 21^st, UNFI will host its annual Charity Classic at Lake of Isles in North Stonington, CT.  This event includes golf and dinner, and it benefits the UNFI Foundation.  We are seeking sponsors who can join us in making a positive impact.  We believe that your association with this event would not only contribute to its success, but also showcase your commitment to social responsibility.

We would be honored to have you on board as a sponsor for this year’s UNFI Charity Classic.  For more details on the event, please follow this link.

Shipping & Handling Policies: Carton/Pallet Policies

The most up to date Shipping & Handling Policies can be found here on UNFI’s Supplier Support Site.  We ask that you take the time to familiarize yourself with our Scan-able Bar Code requirements detailed on page 15.

Supplier Relationship Management 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.

January 2024 Supplier Update

Happy New Year to our valued supplier and broker partners!  On December 7^th, CEO Sandy Douglas and I hosted our second Supplier Success Series webinar.  Among other topics, we touched on UNFI’s Q1 Earnings Recap, our progress towards our One UNFI goal as part of a multiyear transformation, and the UpNext program.  I invite you to view a recording of this webinar here.

Supplier Deduction Dispute Management

As of January 2024, all deduction disputes and inquiries are to be sent to supplierdeductiondisputemgmt@unfi.com.  Any emails that would have been sent to deductions@unfi.com, deductionsexpedite@unfi.com, and/or merchandisingservices@unfi.com should now be directed to the new alias to better serve you.

Northeast US Repack Initiative

The Northeast US Repack initiative launched in October 2023, and was one of the first significant transformative steps in implementing UNFI’s multi-echelon distribution strategy.  This future state model will support UNFI’s objectives to provide our customers with a One Truck/One Invoice experience.  This initiative has improved service level and increased network capacity while enabling UNFI to offer a broader assortment to our Conventional and Natural customers and expanding the market for our suppliers.  Leveraging our unit pick automation system will continue to improve fulfillment accuracy, quality of service, and increase network capacity within our Northeast distribution centers (DCs) to support growth.

We have completed our first two consolidations planned in this project with our Dayville and Chesterfield DCs being serviced by Carlisle as our unit pick re-distribution facility.  The third consolidation in Hudson Valley is planned for early 2024.  We thank you for your continued support of this initiative.

Shelf Execution Program (Home Store)

We are excited to announce the expansion of our Shelf Execution (Home Store) Program to a limited group of Independent Natural Customers, who have committed to doing this work with UNFI.  In May, we informed you that our goal was to expand our offering in early 2024 to include this group.  We are centering our focus on customers that purchase Natural, Specialty, and Organic products shipped from our Natural DCs.

UNFI is committed to supplying exceptional customer service and merchandising support to our retailers.  The services include New Item Innovation, Express Lanes/Category Reviews, Remodels, New Store Openings, Re-Tagging, and New Customer Affiliations.

The program also offers several benefits, including:

• Improved consistency of reset execution through enhanced traceability and accountability
• Speed to shelf for new item introductions
• Enhanced planogram integrity
• Real-time reporting with image capability via a secure web portal for suppliers

To provide this support for customers, our suppliers will receive a service fee for merchandising work performed.  The fee will be calculated using the previous year’s 52-week purchases on all UPC coded products which aligns with our current fee structure.  The initial deduction will take place in February 2024.  This marks a transition from exclusively relying on supplier and broker resources to support in-store activities and deliver our best-in-class execution program.

To confirm a retailer’s participation and determine what level of support will be required, please send an inquiry to retail.execution@unfi.com. 

myUNFI Portal: Carrier Self Enrollment

We have added functionality to the myUNFI portal which now allows users to self-enroll as a carrier.  This improved process will allow for improved appointment visibility, automated appointment set-up, and the ability to reschedule an appointment one time.  For multiple changes, you will still need to contact an Inbound Logistics team member directly. Learn all about these new features and how to sign up here.

Supplier Policies

The most up to date Shipping & Handling Policies can be found here on UNFI’s Supplier Support Site.

Shipping & Handling Policies

The most up to date Shipping & Handling Policies can be found here on UNFI’s Supplier Support Site.

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.

 

October 2023 Supplier Update

On October 17^th from 2 – 3pm EST, CEO Sandy Douglas and I will host our first Supplier Success Series webinar.  We will kick-off this series discussing our annual supplier survey, changes we’re making to better serve our suppliers, and our Q4 earnings.  We invite you to join us by filling out this registration page.  The final prompt on the registration page invites you to submit questions for the discussion.  We look forward to our opportunity to connect.

Accounts Payable Best Practices

UNFI provides backup for each deduction that comes from issued checks.  This backup is automatically sent to our contacts for your organization we have on file.  It is imperative that you keep this information up to date.  We suggest creating an e-mail alias for your business where this is sent.  We also encourage you to have backup sent to your broker, if applicable.  To update and/or add to your list of recipients, please reach out to APVendorMaster@unfi.com.

There has been a recent uptick in backup requests sent to our DeductionsBackup@unfi.com alias that has resulted in a backlog.  By keeping your contacts current, ensuring initial backup e-mails are not sent to your spam folder, and including broker contacts, your team will be best positioned to address deductions questions.

2024 UNFI Selling Shows

Starting in February 2024, UNFI Selling Shows will cater to both natural and conventional supplier and customer channels, emphasizing our unique value.  This transformation involves a wall-to-wall format and two seasonal themes across four regional locations, with the following objectives:

• Simplifying show types and enhancing supplier opportunities
• Providing an exceptional attendee experience tailored to regional and industry needs
• Showcasing a comprehensive supplier representation and UNFI's category expertise
• Elevating overall sales through exclusive opportunities and cost-effective solutions

UNFI Selling Shows remain a distinctive platform for showcasing product and brand promotion.  Both in-person and virtual options allow our customers to explore emerging products and engage with established brands to secure the best cost of goods and remain competitive in the market.  Our shows offer invaluable opportunities.  Don’t miss out, register here today.

Lightning Deals

UNFI is thrilled to announce Lightning Deals, a new program centered around getting your deals to retailers very quickly.  There is no charge to participate beyond a unique two-week off invoice promotion to UNFI.  Deals will be promoted on the myUNFI Shopping Portal for instant ordering.  Participating customers are given a two-week promotional pass to these deals.  This quick turnaround program can help you drive turns and increase sales quickly.

For more information on Lightning Deals, review this info sheet and reach out to your SRM.

Supplier and Vendor Code of Conduct

UNFI has recently updated its Supplier and Vendor Code of Conduct.  Please take some time to familiarize yourself with this document.

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.

 

August 2023 Supplier Update

The theme of today’s blog is improving the supplier and customer experience.  In an ever-evolving landscape, our focus remains having the proper product assortment for our customers and to ensure these products are merchandised effectively to consumers. 

Our Product Image Initiative detailed below will allow us to have all information about your products readily available on our myUNFI.com platform for customer orders.  Our Home Store Program provides greater execution on the shelf to support our customers and drive supplier sales.

We are excited to share this news with you today.

UNFI Home Store Program

The UNFI Home Store Program is best in class at providing Shelf Execution services. It provides data driven Category Business Plans (CBPs) and labor to execute the ever-changing merchandising landscape, including: category resets, conversion items (limiting loss of shelf placement), speed to shelf on new item cut ins, merchandising services for New Store Openings, Re-Tags, Store Remodels, and New Affiliations (when UNFI becomes the distributor of products previously purchased elsewhere).  We execute with our own Shelf Services team, and utilize 3^rd party labor providers where appropriate to perform in-store execution work. 

UNFI has expanded its in-store execution program to include Natural, Specialty, and Organic products shipped via our Natural distribution centers (DCs).  Suppliers only receive an assessment for work performed in retailers where UNFI provides in-store labor support.

Deductions are processed on a biannual basis at 0.70% (or 70 basis points), based on your total invoiced sales amount to applicable stores.  Retailers with their own in-store execution program are omitted.  This deduction only applies to retailers who are currently participating in the UNFI in-store execution program. 

We are assessing our Natural DC volume in two phases.  Phase one (effective July 2023) included natural volume for retailers we are currently supplying in-store labor to.  In phase two, launching in February 2024, we will expand our offering to additional customers & banners.

The program offers several benefits, including:

• Improved consistency in reset execution through better traceability and accountability
• Faster item innovation executed at the shelf
• Category and Consumer Insights incorporated into our Base DC Planograms
• Enhanced planogram integrity and compliance
• Real-time reporting with image capability via a secure web portal for suppliers

If you have any questions, please reach out to retail.execution@unfi.com.

Product Images for myUNFI.com

UNFI is investing in many initiatives to improve our customer experience and help grow our suppliers’ sales across digital platforms. Recently, UNFI upgraded myUNFI.com, our premier B2B website which provides access to an expanded assortment of brands and products, as well as billing, claims, and other timely business information. 

As we look to partner and grow digital sales on myUNFI.com for your brand, product images and attributes are essential components for visual presentation, transparency, and sales.  Global Data Sync (GDS) is UNFI’s preferred standard for product attributes, including full package information and updates, images, product dimensions, etc.  

To capture this critical information and help us grow your sales, we request your partnership to either:

1. Provide required information directly to UNFI via your GDSN connection or through your current GDSN syndication partner.
2. Or, provide this information utilizing a syndication provider within the GDSN network. UNFI has established partnerships with: IX-One, Syndigo, 1WorldSync.  These providers support our data requirements.  You may also leverage any certified GDSN data pool to provide your item information.

All items in the UNFI product catalog require attributes and images as part of their setup process. We recommend working with our preferred 3rd party partners to capture this information.  

In the event you choose to not provide this content for new items, or for current items with missing or outdated information, UNFI will capture this content on your behalf at a charge of $150 per item.

To promote the sale of your products on myUNFI.com, we ask for your participation in working with the above named UNFI partners to:

• Share all active items (new and existing) with your selected partner for image and data capture.
• Ensure all future new items and packaging changes are shared with your selected partner for image and data capture going forward. 

To ensure continued success and mutual partnership in growing your brand, constant adherence to the above process is critically important going forward.  We ask that you align with a GDSN partner of your choice by October 31, 2023 to maximize our ability to drive sales of your products for the holidays.

For more information or to submit product information, please visit our UNFI Product Image Initiative page.

Pack Change Clarification

Effective immediately, all UPC changes require a recode including changes to the Master Case GTIN.  This is needed to ensure customers receive the exact product they expect, and that is consistent with their shelf tags.

Please direct questions to packchanges@unfi.com.

Shipping & Handling Policies

The most up to date Shipping & Handling Policies can be found here on UNFI’s Supplier Support Site.

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. 

Thank you for your time and attention to these updates.  We’ll have more for you in the Fall!