UNFI Conventional Expo helps retailers plan for the holidays and beyond

MINNEAPOLIS — After a two-year hiatus as an in-person event due to the pandemic lockdown, United Natural Foods Inc. held its annual Conventional Expo July 19-21, here. The show connected nearly 2,700 retail customers with UNFI’s large network of suppliers and helped the independents to prepare for the upcoming holiday and spring selling seasons.

“Working alongside our suppliers, we help customers plan their store offerings, learn about new and exclusive products, manage supply challenges, and secure deals and promotions that drive sales, and ultimately, consumer loyalty,” said UNFI’s CEO Sandy Douglas.

“It’s great to be riding the trendy wave of our little potatoes,” said Brian Josephs, vice president of retail sales USA at Little Potato Co. “There is a real excitement about them and we are grateful that UNFI is a great supporter of our products.”

“I am surprised at how engaged these people are,” said Ingrid Lozano, director of sales at Del Monte Fresh Produce NA, central region US. “They are truly interested in our products, especially our Mezete gourmet, shelf-stable hummus and our new Pinkglow pineapple. It’s really good to be here.”

“Wow, what a show!” Kristi Harris, Pazazz brand manager at Wescott Orchards, said. “So glad to be a part of it. UNFI covers it all and it’s all here.”