REACH RETAIL REACH NEW HEIGHTS
B2B RETAILER ADVERTISING
We’re excited to introduce the 2026 UNFI Canada Marketing Catalogue your all-access guide to powerful, proven ways to grow your business with us.
At UNFI Canada, our marketing program is designed with one goal in mind: helping your brand succeed in the independent retail space. With a network of over 2,700 independent retailers across the country, we offer unmatched access and visibility for brands ready to scale.
This year, we ’ ve taken our marketing offering even further. The 2026 catalogue features refreshed programs rooted in a 360-degree approach helping you connect with retailers at every touchpoint. From digital banners to seasonal promotions and event activations, we offer comprehensive solutions tailored to your goals.
To help you maximize every dollar you spend, we ’ ve included best-in-class examples, campaign inspiration, and tips on how to unlock the full value of each package. Whether you ’ re launching something new or re-energizing a core product, our team is here to support your success every step of the way.
Thank you for trusting UNFI Canada as your distribution and marketing partner. Let’s make 2026 your brand’s most impactful year yet.
Melinda Zoccoli VP, Marketing and Supplier Services
We release different publications throughout the year for our independent retailers and you can market your brand in each one, depending on your goals Our current database contains 2,700+ independent retailer locations We promote our publications digitally through our newsletters a few months before and during their active months This allows retailers to plan their purchasing and take advantage of your promotional activity
What is a Quarterly Catalogue?
What is a Monthly Special?
Monthly Specials are released one month in advance to showcase your promotions to retailers and allow them to plan their orders Themes flow throughout our specials in order to aid retailers in their purchasing decisions If your brand or products fit into a specific theme, this is a great opportunity to run your promotions and book your marketing
Specials earn an average read time of 10+ minutes.
Quarterly Catalogues are active for 3 months and include our entire product listing base. When you place an ad in our catalogue, you will get extended exposure throughout the season.
Catalogues remain active for 3 months of the year, therefore seeing higher impressions upwards of 5000+. Average read time is also longer at 15+ minutes.
What
is a Prebook?
Prebooks are related to specific purchasing seasons that retailers focus on - New Years + Superbowl, Easter, Summer, Back-toSchool + Fall, and Holiday If you are launching a seasonal product, booking a full page ad is the best way to get in front of retailers
This is our first year offering ad opportunities in our seasonal prebooks as we understand the need to highlight these products with timely ordering windows Prebooks see an average read time of 5+ minutes as they are the shortest and most focused publication we produce.
Morethanone waytomarket.
We strive to offer options for every brand, big and small. With a full page ad, you can maximize your real estate and convey more imagery and copy but we also offer other simple options with some key benefits.
What should you include on a full page ad?
Promotional discount amount
Product information
UNFI codes
CTA - Order through your UNFI rep!
Benefits of booking our featured half-page ads:
We design your ad! Simply submit high-res product images and 1-5 lines of copy in English and French
Book an ‘In the Spotlight’ ad to draw attention to your active promotion
Book a ‘Fresh to Market’ ad for your product launch
Book a ‘Protein-Packed’ ad to showcase your protein-focused product (a growing trend in 2026!)
‘In the Spotlight’ ads saw a 20% increase in cases sold in the month the ad is active*
myUNFI-OneStopShopforRetailers.
myUNFI is our online ordering platform used by over 2,700 independent retailers Advertise to buyers when it counts - when they're placing their product orders We receive an average of 8,800+ retailer orders per month across Canada
Ways to advertise on myUNFI:
Custom brand page: a simplistic and engaging shopping experience, similar to an Amazon brand store. Your page will remain active for 12 months along with your free home page ad.
Home Page Rotator Ad: get your brand on the home page of myUNFI, visible to retailers as soon as they log in, right at the top.
Home Page Ad: a lower cost option, at the bottom of the home page ROI studies showed a 54% increase in cases sold during the active ad period.*
Banner Ads: showcase your brand on our Brand Search Page This is where retailers go to search for the brand they want - and your ad will be front and centre ROI studies showed a 54% increase in cases sold during the active ad period.*
HOME PAGE ROTATOR AD - $650
CUSTOM BRAND PAGE - $2500
Tellyourstorythrough customemailmarketing.
Get your brand directly into the inboxes of 2,200+ independent retailers through our two email marketing options.
EXCLUSIVE EMAIL CAMPAIGN - $1400
Tell your whole brand story. You can convey any information within your email that you choose Announce your new product launch, share your charitable partnerships, or just highlight your product catalogue and feature Direct retailers to your links. We include your myUNFI link so retailers can directly shop your products, but you can also include your website or social media links as you see fit.
Quick turnaround - we can execute within one month.
NEWSLETTER BANNER AD - $850
Your ad is seen four times within one month. We always want to give our brands added value, so we decided to run banner ads four times in our FreshlyPicked newsletter during your selected month
Perfect for highlighting your promotion. Let retailers know your product is on promo - directly on your ad! We can link your ad directly to myUNFI so retailers can easily add your products to their cart and complete their purchase. Get seen NOW! Are you promoting a seasonal product? Added additional promotion last minute? Need new eyes on a product launch? We can execute your banner ad as long as you provide creative before the 1 of your selected month. st
YOUR BANNER AD HERE
TRUCK WRAP STATS 10+ STOPS PER DAY 10-12 HOURS ON ROAD PER DAY
3,600 STOPS PER YEAR
TakeYourBrandOntheRoad
Benefits of a truck wrap:
Target both retailers and consumers with rolling billboards that reach millions of people throughout the country
Our fleet is dedicated to city deliveries, regardless of size, and keep moving all day from customer to customer. Larger trucks are equipped with a tailgate so they can access various locations, such as street-level stores without dock access. This flexibility allows us to deliver to a range of customers, not just large ones. Choose the region and truck size that suits your brand’s needs, provide artwork and we’ll do the rest. Your ad will remain on for a minimum of 12 months.
Your size, your region.
Location Size
Vancouver 24', 26', 28'
Toronto 26', 30'
Montreal 26', 30'
Size and region are subject to availability
Pricing:
24' - $4400
26' - $4810
28' - $5240
30' - $5870
Rear Door (any size truck) - $2275
Pricing is for one side of your selected truck
Bundle & Save
We
Packages
Book
Innovation Showcase
We’ve brought together our Vendor Summit and Innovation Showcase into one reimagined experience
Day 1: Vendor Summit
A half-day, supplier-only session focused on key industry topics, insights from UNFI leaders, and meaningful engagement.
Day 2: Innovation Showcase
Showcase your brand in a show designed for relationship-building with retailers major banners and strategic independents—plus the UNFI team.
Why Attend
Learn and engage in an exclusive supplier session
Build stronger relationships in an intimate showcase environment
Gain added exposure through the Pitch Slam and Display Contest
April 27 - 28, 2026
Terrace Events
1680 Creditstone Rd, Concord
EXHIBIT WITH UNFI CANADA
CHFA NOW
Exhibit within the high-visibility UNFI Pavilion.
Feature your products on our display shelving.
Network with the UNFI team and industry leaders during our cocktail hour.
Leverage our sales team to maximize your CHFA experience
CHFA NOW Vancouver 2026 February 21 & 22, 2026
More than distribution we deliver partnership. Tap into reporting services, GS1 expertise, sales training, and exclusive discounts with ProConnect partners.
What is UNFI Insights?
UNFI Insights equips brands with interactive sales and inventory dashboards to help you leverage data for daily decision-making.
Advanced analytics give you an edge to grow sales, understand chargebacks, manage inventory, and more.
No need to download and clean reports:
Access data instantly through a self-serve interface
View dashboards that are refreshed regularly with up to two years of historical data
Get data piped directly into your favourite tools like Excel, Power BI, and Snowflake
UNFI Insights helps you prevent out-of-stocks, find opportunities to grow your business, and reduce waste.
Email reportscanada@unfi.com to sign up today.
2 GS1 Consulting
Stay compliant and optimize your brand with GS1 consulting!
Your Services:
Creating and updating GTINs
Fixing product data errors
Publishing product info to retailers and UNFI Canada
Updating Country of Origin and “Made in Canada” claims
We also help keep your product images current and retailready by:
Requesting new images and handling sample shipments
Certifying eCommerce and nutrition content used by major retailers
Your Benefits:
Expert GS1 support to save time and avoid errors
Faster listings with key retail partners
Full support for Canadian regulatory claims
Up-to-date, verified images and product content
Clean data that keeps your supply chain running smoothly
Stronger digital presence with optimized content
One point of contact for hands-on, personalized help
Contact gs1inquiries@unfi.com to sign up.
3 Sales Training (Webinar)
Connect directly with UNFI Sales teams across the country to present your upcoming innovation, promotional initiatives, or important changes
Cost: $500 per region (West, Central, East)
Your Training Includes:
20-minute sessions per region (15 min presentation + 5 min Q&A)
Presentation shared with the entire Sales Team Webinars take place every other Friday, excluding holidays
Sales Training (In-Person)
Present to our sales team face-to-face! Share product information, provide samples, and interact personally with the team
Cost per session: $1200
Audience: Field Sales Reps and Key Account Team
Available Times/Locations:
Ontario - September (CHFA East)
British Columbia - October (Richmond, BC Office)
Quebec - November (St Laurent, Quebec Office)
British Columbia - February (CHFA West)
Ontario - April (Innovation Showcase, GTA Region)
Visit https://canada.unfi.ca/webinar/ to sign up today!
4 ProConnect Partners
Discover the ProConnect program, connecting you with industry experts to promote your brand.
The companies featured here are experts offering valuable service t CPG b d especially in the natural
Many of our partners offer exclusive promotions and discounts to UNFI Canada vendors. For a personal introduction, contact your SRM If you reach out directly, please mention UNFI Canada For more information on our partners and the program, please read our full brochure here
Get an exclusive discount by disclosing UNFI Canada referred your brand.
Specs
DIGITAL ADS
myUNFI Custom Brand Page
1 Logo: 96x96 pixels (at least)
1 Hero Image: 3000x1500 pixels
1 Wide Banner Image: 3000x750 pixels
4 Vertical Images: 750x1500 pixels
myUNFI Home Page Ads
Ad size: 300x250px
150 words of copy
myUNFI Banner Ads
728x90px, 150dpi
Email Campaign
Image (minimum 2000px wide)
High resolution logo 150dpi
Copy (if not included in the image)
French artwork and copy for emailing
Quebec (if applicable)
Newsletter Banner Ads
Banner Size: 1280 x 350 px
Quality: 300 dpi
Format: JPEG/JPG file
Bilingual or separate French version
PUBLICATION ADS
Full Page Ads
Trim 8 25" x 11"
Minimum 300dpi
PDF or JPEG
Fully bilingual or separate French version
‘In the Spotlight’ and ‘Made in Canada’ Ads
• High resolution product image(s) and copy, up to a max of 5 sentences
TRUCK ADS
Dimensions will be provided depending on the size of truck being booked
AI, INDD, PSD, PDF, EPS, TIFF files are accepted; please preserve all layers
3” bleeds on all sides; at 10% Scale, bleed = 0 3
Creative Deadlines
DIGITAL ADS
myUNFI
th
Due 15 of the month prior to your selected month (ie if June is your advertising month, your artwork is due May 15th)
Email Campaign
th
Due 15 of the month prior to your selected month (ie. if June is your advertising month, your artwork is due May 15th)
Newsletter Banner Ads
th
Due on the 30 of the month prior to your select month (ie. if June is your advertising month, your artwork is due May 30th)
PUBLICATION ADS
Monthly Specials:
January - September 15 2025
February - October 15 2025
March - November 15 2025
April - December 15 2025
May - January 15 2026
June - February 15 2026
July - March 15 2026
August - April 15 2026
September - May 15 2026
October - June 15 2026
November - July 15 2026
December - August 15 2026
Quarterly Catalogues:
Winter - November 15 2025
Spring - February 15 2026
Summer - May 15 2026
Fall - August 15 2026
Seasonal Prebooks:
Summer - November 15 2025
Back-to-School + Fall - January 15 2026
Holiday - April 15 2026
New Years + Superbowl - June 15 2026
Easter + Spring - August 15 2026
TRUCK ADS
Once your booking is confirmed, we will send an artwork guideline along with the dimensions of your selected truck size
Once your team provides us the final artwork, we will send a proof for final approval
Once approved, your wrap will be printed and scheduled for installation
Generally your wrap will be installed within 2 weeks of final artwork approval
Bookyourmarketingtoday!
Use the marketing booking tab within your 2026 promo planner to select your marketing options. If you haven’t completed one yet, you can download the template from our supplier services site. Once completed, send to marketingcanada@unfi.com to finalize your booking.
What are the best practices when booking marketing?
Align your marketing with your promotions for the greatest sales lift. ie. if you have 15% off running in May, you would select May to run your marketing. Call out your promotional discount in your ad! Ensure your team is familiar with the specs & deadlines information required for your ads.
