United Natural Foods
| Company type | Public |
|---|---|
| Industry | Natural and organic food wholesale distribution |
| Predecessor | Mountain People's Warehouse, Cornucopia Natural Foods |
| Founded | 1996 |
| Headquarters | Providence, Rhode Island , United States |
Area served | United States, Canada |
| Products | Natural and specialty foods |
| Website | www |
United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI), headquartered in Providence, Rhode Island, operates as a leading company in the natural and organic food sector. It holds the distinction of being the largest publicly listed wholesale distributor specializing in health and specialty foods across the United States and Canada. UNFI functions as the chief supplier for Whole Foods Market, with Whole Foods representing more than one-third of UNFI's revenue in 2018.
History
Established in 1996 through the consolidation of two regional distributors—Mountain People's Warehouse (serving the Western U.S. since 1976) and Cornucopia Natural Foods (operating in the Eastern U.S. since 1977)—UNFI became the first distributor of natural products with a nationwide reach. Over time, UNFI incorporated additional regional distributors, broadening its operational scope and solidifying its position as the foremost distributor of natural products.
In 2007, UNFI expanded its operations by acquiring Millbrook Distribution Services. The company entered into a distribution partnership with Safeway Inc. in 2011 to supply non-proprietary natural, organic, and specialty products; however, this agreement concluded in July 2015, leading to a drop in stock value and prompting two rounds of workforce reductions—the first layoffs in UNFI’s history.
By 2012, UNFI collaborated with Buyer's Best Friend to create an integrated reordering platform. The year 2016 saw UNFI complete several acquisitions—including Nor-Cal Produce, Haddon House Food Products for $217.5 million, and Gourmet Guru—enhancing both its product portfolio and market penetration.
A significant milestone occurred on October 22, 2018, when UNFI completed the acquisition of SuperValu, Inc., markedly boosting its distribution network and strengthening its market position.
Divisions
- UNFI Canada
- Alberts Fresh Produce
- Tony's Fine Foods
- Nor-Cal Produce
- UNFI Wellness
- Woodstock Farms
- UNFI Brands+
- Honest Green eSolutions
- UNFI Easy Options
Brands
- Essential Everyday
- Woodstock
- Wild Harvest
- Equaline
- Tumaro's Carb Wise Wraps
- Field Day
- Shoppers Value
- Asian Gourmet
- Culinary Circle
- Stone Ridge Creamery
- Mt Vikos
- Super Chill
- Arctic Shores
- Springfield
- Koyo
- Bio Pac
- Oasis