- CEO
- James Alexander Miller Douglas Jr.
- Full Time Employees
- 28,333
- Sector
- Consumer Defensive
- Industry
- Food Distribution
- Address
- 313 Iron Horse Way Providence RI United States of America 02908
- IPO Date
- Nov 1, 1996
- Business
- United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI) is a leading natural, organic, specialty, conventional grocery, and non-food product distributor operating primarily in the United States and Canada. Founded in 1976 and headquartered in Providence, Rhode Island, UNFI serves more than 30,000 customer locations including independent grocers, retail chains, natural product superstores, conventional supermarkets, e-commerce providers, and foodservice customers. Its core product offerings encompass fresh produce, grocery and general merchandise, dairy, frozen and perishables, nutritional supplements and sports nutrition, bulk and foodservice products, personal care, health and beauty care, candy, baby, and pet products. The company also operates Woodstock Farms Manufacturing, a subsidiary specializing in the importation, roasting, packaging, and distribution of nuts, dried fruits, seeds, granola, snacks, and confections under organic and kosher certifications.
UNFI has expanded through significant acquisitions, notably the 2018 acquisition of SuperValu, which broadened its presence into conventional grocery wholesale and retail services, substantially increasing its product range and operational scale. Recent major developments include an eight-year extension through 2032 of its primary wholesale grocery distribution partnership with Whole Foods Market, an Amazon affiliate, reinforcing its leading position in natural and organic food distribution. Additionally, UNFI announced a 2024 partnership with RELEX Solutions to implement cloud-based procurement and supply chain optimization technology aimed at enhancing demand planning, replenishment efficiency, and customer service. The company continues to integrate and optimize its operational network post-SuperValu acquisition, focusing on innovation, supply chain efficiency, and expanding its product assortment to drive growth and profitability.
UNFI operates through three primary business segments: Natural, Wholesale, and Retail, delivering products from over 11,000 suppliers through extensive distribution centers encompassing over 31 million square feet of warehouse space. Its market reach addresses a variety of segments including natural product superstores, independent operators, conventional supermarkets, and foodservice channels across North America. The company’s strategic focus on value-added services includes proprietary technology, data analytics, market insights, and shelf management programs designed to support suppliers and retailers in expanding their businesses and brands. UNFI’s 2024 fiscal year reported approximately $30.1 billion in net sales and continues to position itself as the premier wholesaler of natural, organic, and specialty food products in North America.