UNFI showcases solutions to help retailers thrive
United Natural Foods Inc. wrapped up its second Spring & Summer Show of the year in Orlando, FL, this week. Over the two-day event, the company hosted more than 3,300 customers from UNFI’s U.S. east and central regions. They connected with UNFI’s extensive community of suppliers from across North America, who were offering a wide range of conventional, fresh, natural, and organic products as well as retail solutions for the total store.
“Customers came seeking deals for their shoppers, and suppliers were willing to accommodate them,” said UNFI East Region President Kelly Sosa. “The breadth of customers, from single-store operators to national chains, coupled with the range of suppliers, created a great show energy and a win-win atmosphere, and proves why in-person shows are so valuable.”
UNFI’s Orlando product and solution show included:
- More than 6,200 attendees, including 3,360 retail customers.
- Over 740 suppliers, spread across more than 100,000 square feet, showcasing more than 1,200 brands.
- Dozens of new products, with 25 featured as UpNext emerging brands.
- More than 60 Certified Diverse Suppliers.
- UNFI Professional Services experts, Brands+ representatives and Food Safety specialists all on hand to provide solutions that help retailers save money and time and enhance their shoppers’ experience.
“UNFI’s shows are tremendously important for us, from networking with our UNFI account team to negotiating directly with vendors,” said Dave Knoop, president of Grove City County Market. “Having UNFI as a partner to support, educate and guide our team is helping us secure valuable discounts that we can then pass on to our shoppers.”
One of the most anticipated sessions at every UNFI show is the company’s unique Pitch Slam competition, where contestants pitch their innovative new products to a live audience. Seven contestants competed in Orlando’s Pitch Slam competition and the winner was The Patch Brand, which makes adhesive patches that stick to skin and contain vitamins and other nutrients. The patch enables the wearer to absorb the vitamins through the skin instead of ingesting them.
UNFI’s holiday and winter shows are scheduled for June 5-6 in Uncasville, CT, and Aug. 6-7 in Minneapolis (central and west), respectively.
