PROVIDENCE, RI - How can emerging brands rise above the white noise and create some healthy competition? One way is through the help of United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI). The distributor is leveraging the scale of its network to help emerging brands expand with UNFI’s diverse customer base.
“UNFI works with some of the most dynamic and innovative local, regional, and national grocers in North America, which presents a tremendous brand positioning opportunity,” said John Raiche, Executive Vice President, Supplier Services. “Emerging brands can take advantage of UNFI’s account managers and sales team who have built long-term relationships with our customers, bringing them tailored programs, solutions, and enhanced value-added insights to strengthen suppliers’ marketing and merchandising efforts.”
UNFI relies on its 56 distribution centers, representing over 30 million square feet of warehouse space. This vast supply chain network presents an opportunity to not only market to a variety of new retail customers, but also accelerate speed to new markets. The company offers several options, including its UpNext program, which is tailored to emerging brands.
Evive, for example, turned to UNFI’s UpNext program to gain resources, insights, and hands-on relationships. Evive now has products in 13 UNFI distribution centers across the company’s four regions, according to a press release.
Once Upon a Farm also found an opportunity for expansion by aging up the brand and creating delicious products for older children. While this gave the brand additional sales channels, it also meant developing relationships with retail buyers in multiple departments.
More information on UNFI’s investment in emerging brands can be found here.
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