United Natural Foods Presents Innovative Products, Programs and Services to Help Grocery Retailers Grow During the Winter and Holiday Selling Season

Rhea-AI Summary

United Natural Foods, Inc. (NYSE: UNFI) concluded its 2024 Winter and Holiday Selling Show, showcasing innovative products and services to help food retailers boost growth. The event attracted 2,100 customers and 800 exhibitors, featuring 1,500 brands. Highlights included:

1. UNFI Media Network (UMN): A new retail media platform powered by Swiftly, offering effective advertising for suppliers and retailers.

2. Monster Buys: Exclusive deals on over 1,700 products from 70+ suppliers.

3. Pitch Slam competition: Won by Like Air, a family-run better-for-you snack company.

The show emphasized UNFI's commitment to helping retailers create compelling shopping experiences and grow their businesses through differentiated products and value-added services.

Positive

• UNFI attracted 2,100 customers and 800 exhibitors to its Winter and Holiday Selling Show
• Launch of UNFI Media Network (UMN) as a new revenue stream and advertising platform
• Offered exclusive 'Monster Buys' deals on over 1,700 products from 70+ suppliers
• Showcased 50 suppliers from New Product and Diverse Supplier categories

Negative

• None.

UNFI Media Network takes center stage in helping both customers and suppliers better serve consumers

PROVIDENCE, R.I.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- United Natural Foods, Inc. (NYSE: UNFI) (the “Company” or “UNFI”) just concluded its second successful 2024 Winter and Holiday Selling Show, where it highlighted a wide range of innovative products, programs and services aimed at helping food retailers drive profitable growth during the upcoming holiday season.

UNFI's recently launched UNFI Media Network (UMN), powered by Swiftly was featured prominently. Retail media networks have shown to be highly precise and effective advertising platforms for both suppliers and retailers, and consumers have shown willingness to embrace these new platforms. (Photo: Business Wire)

Nearly 2,100 customers visited more than 800 exhibitors, featuring 1,500 brands, during the two-day event. Customers experienced UNFI’s portfolio of differentiated and competitively priced products, and value-added services, designed to help them create compelling shopping experiences and grow their businesses. The show also featured 50 suppliers from the Company’s New Product and Diverse Supplier showcases, as well as more than 70 suppliers offering show-exclusive “Monster Buys” on over 1,700 products.

“Our annual shows bring together our connected community of retailers and suppliers to experience a full range of opportunities to grow their businesses,” said UNFI Chief Customer Officer, Steve Dietz. “The deals offered cross all categories, our Monster Buys, which are exclusive to customers who attend the show, and our new UNFI Media Network, are great examples of how UNFI is helping both our retailers and suppliers win in their markets.”

UNFI Retail Media Network

The show’s mainstage opening included a presentation on the Company’s recently launched UNFI Media Network (UMN), powered by Swiftly. Attendance was strong, as retail media networks have shown to be highly precise and effective advertising platforms for both suppliers and retailers, and consumers have shown willingness to embrace these new platforms. Delivered by Matt Eckhouse, UNFI President of Professional Services, and Sean Turner, Swiftly Co-founder & Chief Innovation Officer, the presentation centered on how retailers can best take advantage of UMN to benefit their customers.

UNFI Pitch Slam Contest

One of the most anticipated sessions at every UNFI show is the Company’s unique Pitch Slam competition, where emerging brands pitch their innovative new products to a live audience. Five contestants competed in the Minneapolis Pitch Slam competition and the winner was Like Air, a family-run business that makes better-for-you snacks that do not compromise taste. For winning the Pitch Slam, Like Air will receive a complimentary campaign on UMN later this year.

UNFI will next host its 2025 Spring and Summer show in San Diego, CA, from January 21 – 23, 2025. For information on UNFI Shows, customers or suppliers can visit: https://www.unfi.com/shows-events or email events@unfi.com.

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 how UNFI is delivering better food and creating a better future, visit www.unfi.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240808683407/en/

For Media:

UNFI

Charles Davis

215-539-1696

cdavis@unfi.com

Source: United Natural Foods, Inc.

FAQ

What was the main focus of UNFI's 2024 Winter and Holiday Selling Show?

The main focus was to showcase innovative products, programs, and services aimed at helping food retailers drive profitable growth during the upcoming holiday season.

How many customers and exhibitors attended UNFI's 2024 Winter and Holiday Selling Show?

The show attracted nearly 2,100 customers and featured more than 800 exhibitors, representing 1,500 brands.

What is the UNFI Media Network (UMN) and why is it significant?

UMN is UNFI's recently launched retail media platform, powered by Swiftly. It's significant because retail media networks have proven to be highly precise and effective advertising platforms for both suppliers and retailers.

Who won the Pitch Slam competition at UNFI's 2024 Winter and Holiday Selling Show?

Like Air, a family-run business that makes better-for-you snacks, won the Pitch Slam competition. As a prize, they will receive a complimentary campaign on the UNFI Media Network later this year.