UNFI Offers New Meal Solutions to Help Retailers Meet Consumer Demand for At Home Food Options

Rhea-AI Summary

United Natural Foods, Inc. (NYSE: UNFI) has launched new meal solutions from Cook•Able and Cadence Kitchen to help retailers meet increasing consumer demand for quick, restaurant-quality meals. These offerings are designed to reduce in-store labor and provide convenient options for customers. The fresh meal kits from Cook•Able, priced between $12.99 and $19.99, are easy to prepare in 20-25 minutes, while Cadence Kitchen's frozen meals range from $5.99 to $9.99 and can be ready in under 15 minutes. UNFI services over 30,000 customer locations nationwide.

Positive

• Launch of new meal solutions supports retailers in meeting consumer demand.
• Cook•Able meal kits provide convenient, quick meal options for consumers.
• Expansion of product offerings may enhance UNFI's market differentiation.
• Serves over 30,000 customer locations, indicating strong market presence.

Negative

• None.

New Fresh and Frozen Entrees and Sides from Cook•Able and Cadence Kitchen Reduce Labor Demand at Retailers for Fast, High-Quality Entrees and Sides

PROVIDENCE, R.I.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- United Natural Foods, Inc. (NYSE: UNFI) (“UNFI”) today announced it has added two new meal solutions to its offering to better allow retailers to meet the growing demand for quick, restaurant quality meals, while reducing in-store labor and the time required to create similar products on their own. The meal solutions are available nationwide to the more than 30,000 customer locations UNFI services.

The new on-trend meal solutions, a fresh meal kit from Cook•Able and flash-frozen meals from Cadence Kitchen, allow UNFI to quickly deliver additional high quality product choices which help customers differentiate their offerings at a time when consumers increasingly rely on their local retailer for meal options.

“With consumers continuing to favor eating at home versus away, retailers are looking to offer delicious and effortless products to time-challenged consumers that replicate the restaurant experience at budget friendly pricing,” said Jody Barrick, Vice President of Bakery/Deli at UNFI. “These chef-inspired offerings from Cook•Able and Cadence Kitchen give retailers a fast, delicious and reasonably priced turnkey experience, affording their teams additional time to focus on serving their customers.”

Fresh Meal Solutions

The fresh, simple and flavorful meal kits from Cook•Able feature quick and convenient recipes with pre-portioned ingredients that serve 2-4 individuals and are ready in 20-25 minutes. Shelf stable for 14 days and available at a suggested retail price of $12.99 to $19.99, the meal kits come in familiar flavors, including:

• Chipotle Chicken Tacos
• Creamy Bacon & Parmesan Pasta with Broccoli
• Hot Honey Chicken with Seared Garlic Broccoli and BBQ Roasted Potatoes
• Mediterranean Chicken with Olives, Feta & Rice
• Pan Seared Orange Chicken with Broccoli
• Tuscan Herb Chicken in a Creamy Parmesan Sauce
• Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowls with Broccoli & Peanuts
• Weeknight Chicken Pad Thai with Broccoli and Peanuts

Chef Crafted Restaurant Quality Frozen Meals

With a wide range of international menu items, creative flavor profiles and thoughtfully sourced ingredients, Cadence Kitchen meals go from flash-frozen to ready-to-eat in 15 minutes or less. Designed to provide consumers with planning flexibility, the following frozen entrees and sides are available at a suggested retail price of $5.99 to $9.99.

Entrees:

• American Beef Stew
• Chicken and Andouille Sausage Jambalaya
• Chicken Tikka Masala
• Five Cheese Pasta (Fiocchetti) in Bolognese Sauce
• Gluten Free BBQ Mac and Cheese
• Lobster Tortellini
• Prime Rib Stroganoff
• Prime Rib Beef and Broccoli
• Prime Rib with Mushroom Gravy
• Shrimp Scampi

Sides:

• Four Cheese Mac and Cheese
• Mexican Style Street Corn
• Vegan Latin Bowl

About UNFI

UNFI is North America's premier grocery wholesaler delivering the widest variety of fresh, branded, and owned brand products to more than 30,000 locations throughout North America, including natural product superstores, independent retailers, conventional supermarket chains, ecommerce providers, and food service customers. UNFI also provides a broad range of value-added services and segmented marketing expertise, including proprietary technology, data, market insights, and shelf management to help customers and suppliers build their businesses and brands. As the largest full-service grocery partner in North America, UNFI is committed to building a food system that is better for all and is uniquely positioned to deliver great food, more choices, and fresh thinking to customers. To learn more about how UNFI is Fueling the Future of Food, visit www.unfi.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220907005562/en/

For Investors:

Kristyn Farahmand

401-213-2160

kristyn.farahmand@unfi.com

-or-

Steve Bloomquist

952-828-4144

steve.j.bloomquist@unfi.com

For Media:

Jeff Swanson

952-903-1645

jeffrey.s.swanson@unfi.com

Source: United Natural Foods, Inc.

FAQ

What are the new products launched by UNFI?

UNFI launched fresh meal kits from Cook•Able and frozen meals from Cadence Kitchen.

How much do the Cook•Able meal kits cost?

The Cook•Able meal kits are priced between $12.99 and $19.99.

How quickly can Cadence Kitchen meals be prepared?

Cadence Kitchen meals can be prepared in under 15 minutes.

How many locations does UNFI serve?

UNFI services over 30,000 customer locations nationwide.

What is the purpose of the new meal solutions from UNFI?

The new meal solutions aim to reduce labor demand at retailers and cater to the growing consumer preference for quick meals.