Empowering Retailers with Cutting-Edge Products and Strategic Partnerships

At the heart of Orlando, United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI) recently concluded its dynamic Spring & Summer Show, marking a significant milestone in the grocery retail sector. This event, a beacon for over 6,200 participants, showcased an array of deals, groundbreaking products, and services, underlining the value UNFI brings to the competitive market. With a focus on fostering growth for grocery retail customers, UNFI’s latest expo has set new benchmarks in the industry.

A Gathering of Innovators and Retailers

Spanning two days, the show became a hub for more than 3,300 customers from UNFI’s East and Central U.S. regions, facilitating connections with a vast network of suppliers from across North America. These suppliers presented an eclectic mix of conventional, fresh, natural, and organic products alongside comprehensive retail solutions. Kelly Sosa, UNFI East Region President, highlighted the event’s vibrant atmosphere, emphasizing the mutual benefits for both customers and suppliers and the invaluable nature of face-to-face interactions.

Highlights from UNFI’s Orlando Show:

• Extensive Participation: The event boasted over 6,200 attendees, including 3,360 retail customers, showcasing the industry’s keen interest in UNFI’s offerings.

• Diverse Supplier Base: More than 740 suppliers occupied over 100,000 square feet, presenting over 1,200 brands, indicating the vast selection available to retailers.

• Innovation Front and Center: The show spotlighted dozens of new products, including 25 UpNext emerging brands, demonstrating UNFI’s commitment to innovation.

• Supporting Diversity: With more than 60 Certified Diverse Suppliers, UNFI underscored its dedication to inclusivity within the supply chain.

• Expert Insights: Attendees had access to UNFI Professional Services experts, Brands+ representatives, and Food Safety specialists, all aimed at providing solutions to enhance efficiency, save costs, and improve customer experiences.
Testimonials and Success Stories

Retailers like Dave Knoop, President of Grove City County Market, praised UNFI’s role in facilitating valuable connections and negotiations, highlighting the tangible benefits of discounts passed on to shoppers. This sentiment underscores the strategic advantage of partnering with UNFI in navigating the competitive grocery retail landscape.

Spotlight on Innovation: The Pitch Slam Competition

A highlight of the UNFI show was the Pitch Slam competition, a platform for innovators to present new products to a live audience. This year, The Patch Brand emerged victorious with its revolutionary vitamin adhesive patches, showcasing the potential for innovative solutions to meet consumer needs in novel ways.

UNFI’s Spring & Summer Show in Orlando has not only provided a fertile ground for deals, new products, and networking but also reinforced the company’s role as a pivotal player in supporting grocery retailers. As the industry continues to evolve, UNFI’s commitment to innovation, diversity, and comprehensive solutions positions it as a key partner for retailers aiming to thrive in the competitive market.