Central Region
Merchandising Playbook
Upcoming Holidays & Celebrations
Events & Promotions
Core Voids
UNFI Media Network (UMN)
New Items
Seasonal Items
Supplier Update
Action Items
Holidays & Celebrations Upcoming Holidays & Celebrations
May Key Dates:
• 05/03: National Lemonade Day- Ideas on slide 5!
• 05/04: National Orange Juice Day
• 05/05: Cinco de Mayo
• 05/10: Mother’s Day (USA)
• 05/13: National Apple Pie Day
• 05/15: National Chocolate Chip Day
• 05/25: Memorial Day (USA)
• 05/28: National Hamburger Day
• 05/29: National Biscuit Day
Holidays & Celebrations
June Key Dates:
• 06/03: National Egg Day
• 06/04: National Cheese Day
• 06/05: National Donut Day- Ideas on slide 5!
• 06/10: National Iced Tea Day
• 06/14: National Strawberry Shortcake Day
• 06/19: Juneteenth (USA)
• 06/21: Father’s Day (USA)
• 06/21: First Day of Summer
• 06/23: National Hydration Day
July Key Dates:
• 07/04: 4th of July (250th Anniversary)
• 07/06: National Fried Chicken Day
• 07/10: National French Fry Day
• 07/14: National Mac & Cheese Day- Ideas on slide 5!
• 07/19: National Ice Cream Day
• 07/29: National Chicken Wing Day
• 07/30: National Chili Dog Day
• 07/31: National Avocado Day
Celebration Day Promotion Ideas
05/03: National Lemonade Day
• Create a lemon themed display including fresh lemons, sweetener options, ready to drink lemonade, cups and straws. Include samples of lemonade for customers to try in-store including sugar-free options (New EE sugar free & refrigerated lemonades in the April New & Now!)
• Boost basket size by cross-merchandising with berries, fresh mint, tablecloths, pitchers and reusable drinkware
06/05: National Donut Day
• Setup a Donut Day display featuring fresh bakery donuts (singles and packs), as well as pre-packaged donut items.
• Cross-merchandise with coffee and tea as well as fruit and paper plates/napkins
• Include signage like, “Treat your office for National Donut Day!”
07/14: National Mac & Cheese Day
• Setup a themed endcap featuring both national brands & private label boxed mac & cheese including shapes and unique flavored options (New KMC items in the April New & Now!)
• In the dairy case, setup a mac & cheese station including blocks of cheese, milk, butter and cream. Nearby create a display for noodles, breadcrumbs and printed recipe cards for homemade mac & cheese. Include cheese graters in this display as well!
Take advantage of food & beverage related celebration days!
Social media posts, signage and displays around the store can lead to customers making purchases they didn’t initially intend to make on their visit
Cinco de Mayo
Cinco de Mayo is on a Tuesday in 2026. This is an annual celebration to celebrate Mexico’s victory over the Second French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza
May (Cinco de Mayo)
Plan for Key Sales Drivers
Celebrations: Parades, food, music, dancing, battle reenactments
Heavy Hitters
• Staples: Tortillas, hard taco shells, rice, dry & refried beans, salsas, queso dip
• Frozen Items: Pizzas, vegetables, taquitos, burritos, appetizers
• Canned Items: Vegetables, beans, canned tuna, canned tomatoes, tomato paste
• Refrigerated Items: sour cream, crema, cheese (Cotija, queso fresco, shredded & blocks), guacamole, cream cheese
• Misc: Seasonings and seasoning packets, tortilla chips, corn husks, dried peppers, hot sauces
• Drinks: Juice, sparkling water, lemonade, drink mixes
Extra Effort Basket Builders
• Build displays based on the heavy hitters list
• Décor & designer plates/napkins
• Hispanic candy
May (Mother’s Day)
Plan for Key Sales Drivers
Heavy Hitters
Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day will be celebrated on Sunday, May 10th in 2026
• Coffee/Creamer: Coffee, cold brew, coffee creamer, milk, plant-based milk, tea
Extra Effort Basket Builders
• Desserts: Ice cream and premium ice cream
• Juices: Orange, apple, grapefruit, cranberry
• Confection candy
Many families enjoy celebrating with breakfast or brunch in the morning
• Breakfast Items: Breakfast pastries, cereal, bagels, cream cheese, yogurt, Greek yogurt, granola, eggs, breakfast meat
• Cheese and crackers
• Fresh berries
47% of those who celebrate the holiday dine out for dinner
• Fruit: Fresh & frozen fruit
• Butter and margarine
• Potatoes: Frozen & refrigerated potatoes
• Flowers
• Sweets: Cake mixes, brownies, cookies
• Candles
Memorial Day
Memorial Day is celebrated on Monday, May 25th in 2026
May (Memorial Day)
Plan for Key Sales Drivers
Heavy Hitters
• Hotdog, Hamburger and Brats fixings: Ketchup, mustard, relish, pickles, mayonnaise, BBQ sauce, sauerkraut
Extra Effort Basket Builders
• Additional summer sides: Suddenly salad kits, short cut pasta, baked beans, pork n beans
Memorial Day is considered the kickoff to summer and grilling season
• Snacks: Chips, crackers, sour cream, dips, and packet dip mixes, watermelon, corn on the cob
• Grilling staples: Charcoal, smoker pellets, aluminum foil, grilling seasonings/rubs, and marinades
• Summer beverage: Lemonade, sweet tea, 12pks of pop, juice, mixers/enhancers, Kool-Aid
60% of families in the US plan to barbeque on Memorial Day
• Desserts: Angel food cake, frozen whipped topping and frozen fruit, brownies, s’mores, frozen novelties, ice cream, ice cream cones
• Tabletop: Paper plates, napkins, paper towels, plastic cups, and plastic utensils
Graduation Season
The most common high school graduation days in the United States typically occur from late May to early June
Some people celebrate with graduation parties the day of graduation, but some choose a later date. Stay prepared for Graduation Parties through June!
May (Graduation Season)
Plan for Key Sales Drivers
Heavy Hitters
• Hotdog, Hamburger and Brats fixings: Ketchup, mustard, relish, pickles, mayonnaise, BBQ sauce, sauerkraut
Extra Effort Basket Builders
• Grilling staples: Charcoal, smoker pellets, aluminum foil, grilling seasonings/rubs, and marinades
• Taco Bar Items: Tortillas, ground beef, chicken, seasonings, cheese, hot sauces, salsas, sour cream, canned olives, pickled peppers, tortilla chips, queso dip
• Snacks: Chips, crackers, sour cream, dips, and packet dip mixes, fresh fruit & vegetables
• Tabletop: Paper plates, napkins, paper towels, plastic cups, and plastic utensils in local school colors
• Summer beverage: Lemonade, sweet tea, 12pks of pop, juice, mixers/enhancers, Kool-Aid
• Balloons
• Desserts: Cupcakes, cookies, ice cream
• Flowers
Grilling & Celebration callouts
Father’s Day will be celebrated on Sunday, June 21st in 2026
Father’s Day is the fourth largest holiday for sending cards in the U.S., behind Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day and Christmas. Often celebrated with a backyard barbeque
Graduation party season begins in late May and continues through June. Families will be stocking up on party essentials, including snacks, beverages, plates, cutlery and party décor
June
Plan for Key Sales Drivers
Heavy Hitters
• Hotdog, Brats, Hamburger fixings: ketchup, mustard, relish, pickles, mayonnaise, BBQ sauce
• Summer Beverages: bottled water, lemonade, sweet tea, 12pks, juice, mixers, water enhancers
• Desserts: frozen novelties (ice cream cones, bars, etc) ice cream, brownies, and s’mores
• Additional summer sides: baked beans, pork n beans, salad kits, shortcut pastas
Extra Effort Basket Builders
• Bags of ice
• Grilling Staples: charcoal, aluminum foil, parchment paper, seasonings/rubs, marinades, smoker pellets
• Snacks: chips, crackers, sour cream, dips and packet dip mixes
• Tabletop: paper plates, napkins, paper towels, plastic cups and plastic utensils
Happy birthday, USA!
The 4th of July falls on a Saturday this year and it’s a HUGE milestone, 250 years of Independence!
The USA’s Semi-Quincentennial (yep, that ‘s the official term) is going to be one of those once-in-alifetime celebrations that people talk about for decades, and having it land on a Saturday just adds to the fun!
Over 74 million Americans grill out for the 4th of July every year, and over 150 million hot dogs are consumed for the holiday!
July
Plan for Key Sales Drivers
Heavy Hitters
• Hotdogs, Brats and Hamburger fixings: ketchup, mustard, relish, pickles, mayonnaise, BBQ sauce, sauerkraut
Extra Effort Basket Builders
• Bags of Ice
• Summer Beverages: bottled water, lemonade, sweet tea, 12pks, juice, mixers and cold brew coffee, sparkling water, water enhancers
• Grilling staples: charcoal, aluminum foil, grilling seasonings/rubs, and marinades, grilling pellets, lighter fluid, aluminum pans
• Desserts: frozen novelties (ice cream cones, bars, etc) ice cream, ice cream toppings, brownies, s’mores, frozen whipped topping and frozen fruit, frozen cream pies
• Snacks: chips, crackers, sour cream, packet dip mixes, and premade dips
• Tabletop: paper plates, napkins, paper towels, plastic cups and plastic utensils, tablecloths
• Additional summer sides: baked beans, pork n beans, Suddenly Salad Kits, shortcut pastas
• 4th Of July Decorations
Events and Promotions
Upcoming Promotional Events
May
Mother’s Day Corporate Event
Ad week: 05/03/26
Pet Event ½ Gatefold
Ad week: 05/10/26
Conagra May Days
Ad week: 05/10/26
McCormick ½ Gatefold
Ad week: 05/17/26
June Dairy Month (Week 1)
Ad week: 05/31/26
Brands+ Graduation ½ Gatefold
Ad week: 05/31/26
June
June Dairy Month (Week 2)
Ad week: 06/07/26
Brands+ June Dairy Month ½ Gatefold
Ad week: 06/07/26
Conagra Snap ½ Gatefold
Ad week: 06/14/26
Candy Carnival (Multi-vendor)
Ad week: 06/21/26
June Dairy Month ½ Gatefold
Ad week: 06/21/26
Summer Soccer Ad
Ad week: 06/21/26
4th of July Ad
Ad week: 06/28/26
July
MDA ½ Gatefold
Ad week: 07/12/26
Quaker Summer ½ Gatefold
Ad week: 07/12/26
Brands+ Summer Essentials
Ad week: 07/19/26
Ice Cream ½ Gatefold (Multi-vendor)
Ad week: 07/19/26
Unilever ½ Gatefold
Ad week: 07/26/26
McCormick ½ Gatefold
Ad week: 06/28/26
Upcoming Coupon Offers
Ad Week: 05/03/26
• Buy 2 Hersey’s baking chips & save $1.00
Ad Week: 05/10/26
• Buy any 5 Conagra items & save $4.00
Ad Week: 05/17/26
• Buy 2 Twizzlers & save $1.50
Upcoming Big Buy Offers
$15.99
Purina Dog Chow, 18.5lb
Ad week: 05/17/26
Dated orders due: 04/03/26
Click here for the DC 12, 14 & 23 order form
Click here for the DC 15, 18 & 61 order form
$4.49
Hidden Valley Dressing, 20oz
Ad week: 05/17/26
Dated orders due: 04/03/26
Click here for the order form (all DCs)
2/$5
Heinz Squeeze Ketchup, 20oz
Ad week: 05/17/26
Dated orders due: 04/03/26
Click here for the order form (all DCs)
$4.49
Hidden Valley Dressing, 24oz
Ad week: 05/17/26
Dated orders due: 04/03/26
Click here for the order form (all DCs)
Upcoming Big Buy Offers
2/$5
Mount Olive Pickles, 24oz
Ad week: 05/17/26
Dated orders due: 04/03/26
Click here for the DC 12, 14, 18 & 23 order form
Click here for the DC 15 order form
Click here for the DC 61 order form
2/$6
Stoneridge Ice Cream Sandwiches
Ad week: 05/17/26
Dated orders due: 04/03/26
Click here for the DC 12, 14 & 23 order form
Click here for the DC 15 order form
Click here for the DC 18 order form
Click here for the DC 61 order form
2/$5 Post Cereal
Ad week: 05/17/26
Dated orders due: 04/03/26
Click here for the order form (all DCs)
2/$3
Sweet Baby Ray’s Sauces
Ad week: 05/17/26
Dated orders due: 04/03/26
Click here for the order form (all DCs)
Upcoming Big Buy Offers
2/$4
Essential Everyday Natural Cheese
Ad week: 06/14/26
Dated orders due: 05/01/26
Click here for the DC 12, 14, 15, 18 & 23 order form
Click here for the DC 61 order form
2/$7
Kellogg’s Cereal
Ad week: 06/14/26
Dated orders due: 05/01/26
Click here for the order form (all DCs)
$6.99
Scott Paper Towels
Ad week: 06/14/26
Dated orders due: 05/01/26
Click here for the order form (all DCs)
Holiday & Winter Show | Central & West
Las Vegas July 14 – 15, 2026
Key show information & dates
• Click Here to Register:
2026 Las Vegas Customer Registration | UNFI Showcases
• Electronic Show Books available: June 2, 2026
• Product Booking Windows
• Pre-Show: June 9 – July 13, 2026
• Show Days: July 14 – 15, 2026
• Post Show: July 16 – July 24, 2026
• Shipping Dates: September 13, 2026 – April 13, 2027
For questions, please contact your UNFI Account Manager
2026 Summer Soccer Games
Are you ready for the 2026 summer soccer games?
• Home viewing remains dominant: Across regions, fans increasingly watch from home or small gatherings, pushing grocery ahead of food service and pub channels
• This event creates dramatic surges in demand, especially for snacks, beverages, easy meals, party supplies, and in-store convenience options!
• Build “match-day zones” throughout your store highlighting:
• Beverages (soda, sparkling water, mixers)
• Salty snacks, dips, chips, frozen appetizers
• Grab-and-go sandwiches, salads, heat-and-eat meals
• Party supplies & tabletop essentials
• Cross-merchandising with global flavors
These displays help capture impulse purchases and streamline fan shopping missions!
Key dates:
• Opening Ceremony: Thursday, June 11th
• USA plays 1st game: Friday, June 12th
• USA plays 2nd game: Friday, June 19th
• UNFI summer soccer Ad date: June 21st
• Group Stage: June 11th – June 27th
• Round of 32: June 28th – July 3rd
• Round of 16: July 4th – July 7th
• Quarterfinals: July 9th – July 11th
• Semifinals: July 14th – July 15th
• Third-Place Match: Saturday, July 18th
• Championship Final: Sunday, July 19th
•
•
•
Brands+ Front Page Advantage
Drive sales. Elevate perception. Protect your market.
Benefits to our valued retailers
Protect market share: Feature sharp, seasonally relevant, limited-time deals that keep your store competitive
Boost price perception & brand equity: Front page ads reinforce your store’s value image and strengthen brand recognition
Drive incremental growth: This program complements your existing Brands+ ad plan and sales initiatives
April & May Offers
Program details
Complimentary to your Brands+ ad plan
• Includes KVI, Big Buy, and Limited Day offers to maximize promotional lift
Seasonally timed, limited-time offers
• Monthly rotation of 3–5 hero items focused on seasonal relevance
• Products ship within a 3-week promotional window to create urgency
Front page placement required
• Featured items must appear on your front-page ad
• SRP guidelines ensure strong value perception
• In-store display and proof of performance (e.g., front page ad circular) required
• No diverting or forward buying—maintains program integrity
• Non-MDF customers must pre-book and meet minimum order quantities
Q2 Mercado Buys (April-June)
Key Hispanic Products on Special
April through June
These spring and early summer months include important Hispanic cultural celebrations that connect strongly to grocery purchasing. Use these opportunities to highlight authentic items, core Hispanic staples, and cross merch displays!
April: Lent & Easter
• Maseca 4lb Pallet: $4.05 per unit
• La Lechera SCM 14oz: $2.53 per unit
• Cholula Hot Sauce 5oz: $2.55 per unit
May: Cinco de Mayo, Mother’s Day & Memorial Day
• Charras Tostadas: $1.91 per unit
• McCormick Mayo with lime: $2.46 per unit
• Harina PAN 5lb: $4.31 per unit
• Isadora Refried Pouch Beans $1.44 per unit
June: Father’s Day & Graduation Season
• Diana 24ct snacks: $1.42 per unit
• Diana Soccer Snack Shipper $1.33 per unit
Upcoming Offers:
SuperDeal$ Telemarketing
Overview
• Exclusive promotional program for eligible UNFI conventional retailers, where UNFI is the primary supplier.
• Weekly deals on shippers, pallets, and seasonal pre-bookings. Products are offered at an average discount of 10% (or more) below their normal cost.
• Retailers signed up for SuperDeal$ will have access to the program specific CMAP type (NCST). These deals are not offered in any other program.
• Reach out to your UNFI Account Manager if you have questions or would like to sign-up to receive weekly calls with the latest exclusive offers!
Core Voids
Core Void Program
The UNFI Core Void Program is a tool to increase retailer profitability and ensure key items are on shelf that may have been previously removed or missed
Features:
• The Core Void Program is an easy way to ensure your assortment is current and you have the top items in your assortment
• Program identifies top selling items that are missing and communicated on custom reporting by individual retail store
Retailer benefits:
• Grow sales
• Support with merchandising plan
• Discount on first case
• CMAP is provided to help offset labor cost and tag print
• Drive customer loyalty
• Optimize assortment
Who can participate?
• Primary supplied conventional retailers
• Please reach out to your Account Manager to participate in the conventional void fill program
Core Void Program
• UNFI will auto load all customer voids
• Max 25 per wave (every other week)
• Orders are loaded 4 weeks out
• Can cancel items if desired
• Highly preferred
• Orders manually reviewed with retailer
• Orders need to be entered by sales team
• Need to submit orders accurately to ensure allowance provided
• Orders should be loaded with 4 weeks lead time
Highly automated- Most effective Manual for sales- Need to sell each wave & enter orders
• Auto ship customer top 5 voids
• Orders loaded 4 weeks in advance
• Max 5 per wave
• Can cancel items if desired
• Highly preferred for smaller stores
• Available to current Process 2 or non-signed up stores
Automated- requires additional follow up to sell additional items
The Core Void Program is an easy way to ensure your assortment is current and you have the top items in your assortment
Click here to view all Core Void sell sheets
UNFI offers a Core Void Program to increase retailer profitability and ensure key items are on shelf that may have been removed or missed
Please reach out to your UNFI Account Manger to participate in the conventional void fill program!
Smucker’s Uncrustables 4ct
• Proven High-Velocity Core Items: These five flavors represent the top-selling SKUs nationally, driving consistent turn rates and reliable repeat purchase across all retail channels
• Broad Family & Snacking Appeal: With classic PB&J flavors plus indulgent hazelnut and better-for-you honey options, the lineup attracts both kids and adults boosting household penetration and basket size
• Simple Stocking, Strong Profit: 4ct packs are easy to merchandise, deliver strong margin performance, and generate all-day snacking traffic from breakfast to lunchboxes to grab-and-go convenience
Smucker’s Uncrustables 10ct
• Proven High Velocity & Shopper Demand: The 10ct Grape and 10ct Strawberry Uncrustables rank as best sellers in frozen sandwiches at major retailers, signaling strong consumer pull that independents can immediately leverage
• Bigger Packs = Bigger Baskets: The 10ct size offers strong value perception and encourages multi-use purchase behavior—breakfast, lunch, and snacks—driving incremental dollars per trip beyond what 4ct formats deliver
• Broader Assortment Captures More Trips: Stocking both leading flavors in the larger 10ct pack helps retain value-seeking families who might otherwise shop at big-box stores offering these same high-turn SKUs
Equaline Cough & Cold / Allergy
Key Selling Points
• Private Label is the top selling brand in the Cough & Cold category in the Total U.S. xAOC
• Equaline ranks the #1 best-selling brand by unit volume in the Cough & Cold category and the Allergy
Relief subcategory in the UNFI TA
• The Cough and Cold category has a household penetration of 81% and is growing households in the U.S.
Deal Info & Ship Dates
New! Allowance* given on 1st case void fill; Ship dates: 03/29/26-07/25/26
*Allowance amounts vary and may be less than $10 due to lower item cost for repack items See
Essential Everyday Canned Beans
• Private Label is the top selling brand in the Canned Prepared Beans category by unit volume and has grown +1.2% dollar sales and +0.8% unit sales vs YA in the Total U.S. xAOC
• Essential Everyday ranks the #2 best-selling brand by unit volume in the Canned Prepared Beans category and Essential Everyday Black Beans, Dark Red Kidney Beans, and Chili Beans rank among the top ten selling items in the UNFI TA
Essential Everyday Hot Cereal
Key Selling Points
• Private Label is the #2 selling brand in the Hot Cereal category in the Total U.S. xAOC
• Essential Everyday is the #3 best-selling brand in the Hot Cereal category by unit volume and outperforms all other Private Label in the UNFI TA
• Private Label has a household penetration of 26% and is driving $/HH and $/Trip in the category in the U.S.
See Ad Planner for additional deal details and updates. Link to Ad Planners: SVWire
Key Selling Points Item Details Deal
Essential Everyday Rice
• Private Label is the #1 selling brand in the Dry Rice subcategory in the Total U.S. xAOC
• Essential Everyday is the #2 best-selling Dry Rice brand by unit volume and is driving growth in the subcategory, up +1.9% dollar sales and +3.0% unit sales vs YA in the UNFI TA
• Essential Everyday Long Grain White Rice is a top ten selling item in the Dry Rice subcategory and has grown +10.0% dollar sales and +10.1% unit sales vs YA in the UNFI TA
Essential Everyday Peanut Butter & Preserves
• Private Label is the top selling brand in the Peanut Butter and Preserves category in the Total U.S. xAOC
• Essential Everyday ranks a top five selling Peanut Butter and Preserves brand with the #1 selling Honey SKU in the UNFI TA New! $10.00 CMAP – 1st case void fill; Ship dates: 03/29/26-07/25/26
See Ad Planner for additional deal details and updates. Link to Ad Planners: SVWire
Essential Everyday Vinegar
Key Selling Points
• Private Label is the top selling brand in the Vinegar subcategory and is outperforming National Brands in the Total U.S. xAOC
• Essential Everyday is the #1 best-selling brand in the Vinegar subcategory and Essential Everyday Distilled White Vinegar ranks the #1 best-selling item by unit volume in the UNFI TA
• Private Label Vinegar has a household penetration of 41% and has gained over 900K new households YOY, while National Brands have lost 500K households in the subcategory in the U.S.
Item
Details
Deal Info & Ship Dates
Essential Everyday Canned Fruit
Key Selling Points
• Private Label is the top selling brand in the Canned Fruit category and is outperforming National Brands in the Total U.S. xAOC
• Essential Everyday is the #1 best-selling brand in the Canned Fruit category and Essential Everyday
Jellied Cranberry Sauce ranks as a top ten selling item that has grown +21.5% dollar sales and +21.9% unit sales vs YA in the UNFI TA
See Ad Planner for additional deal details and updates. Link to Ad Planners: SVWire
Essential Everyday Coffee Filters
Key Selling Points
• Private Label is the top selling brand in the Coffee Filters category and is outperforming National Brands in the Total U.S. xAOC
Item
Details
Deal Info & Ship Dates
• Essential Everyday is the #2 best-selling brand in the Coffee Filters category with the #1 best-selling item by unit volume in the UNFI TA New! $10.00 CMAP* – 1st case void fill; Ship dates: 03/29/26-07/25/26 *Deal for white basket filters may be less than $10 due to lower item cost
See Ad Planner for additional deal details and updates. Link to Ad Planners: SVWire
Essential Everyday Dry Baking
Key Selling Points
• Private Label is the top selling brand in the Dry Baking category and is driving growth YOY, outperforming National Brands in the Total U.S. xAOC
• Essential Everyday is the #2 best-selling brand in the Dry Baking category and outperforms all other Private Label in the UNFI TA
Essential Everyday Sugar & Sweet Baking
• Private Label is the #1 selling brand in the Sugar and Sweet Baking category and is driving growth YOY, outperforming National Brands in the Total U.S. xAOC
• Essential Everyday is the #1 best-selling brand in the Sugar and Sweet Baking category and Essential Everyday Pure Granulated Sugar ranks as a top ten selling item in the UNFI TA
See Ad Planner for additional deal details and updates. Link to Ad Planners: SVWire
Essential Everyday Mac & Cheese
• Private Label is the #3 selling brand in the Macaroni and Cheese subcategory in the Total U.S. xAOC • Essential Everyday is the #3 best-selling brand in the Macaroni and Cheese subcategory by unit volume and outperforms all other private label in the UNFI TA
Essential Everyday Orange Juice
Key Selling Points
• Private Label is the #2 selling brand in the Refrigerated Juices and Drinks category in the Total U.S. xAOC
• Essential Everyday is a top five selling brand in the NFC Orange Juice subcategory and Essential Everyday No Pulp Orange Juice ranks a top ten selling item by unit volume in the UNFI TA
• Private Label has a household penetration of 34% and is driving $/HH and $/Trip in the category in the U.S.
Essential Everyday Soup
• Private Label is the #2 selling brand in the Soup category and is driving growth YOY, outperforming National Brands in the Total U.S. xAOC
• Essential Everyday is the #2 best-selling brand in the Condensed Soup subcategory and Essential Everyday Cream of Mushroom and Cream of Chicken Soup rank among the top ten selling items in
Wild Harvest Canned Beans
Key Selling Points
• Private Label is the #1 best-selling organic brand in the Canned Prepared Beans category and is growing YOY in the Total U.S. xAOC
• Wild Harvest is the top selling organic brand in the Canned Prepared Beans category and is driving growth, up +3.2% dollar sales and +4.7% unit sales vs YA in the UNFI TA New! $10.00 CMAP – 1st case void fill; Ship dates: 03/29/26-07/25/26
See Ad Planner for additional deal details and updates. Link to Ad Planners: SVWire
Wild Harvest Peanut Butter & Honey
Key Selling Points
• Private Label is the #1 best-selling organic brand in the Peanut Butter and Preserves category and is growing YOY in the Total U.S. xAOC
• Wild Harvest is the top selling organic brand in the Peanut Butter and Preserves category by unit volume and has grown +6.9% dollar sales and +7.9% unit sales vs YA in the UNFI TA
• Organic Peanut Butter and Preserves have a household penetration of 16% and have gained over 1M new households YOY, outpacing the rest of the category in the U.S.
See Ad Planner for additional deal details and updates. Link to Ad Planners: SVWire
Key Selling Points
Wild Harvest Broth
• Private Label is the #1 best-selling organic brand in the Broth subcategory in the Total U.S. xAOC
• Wild Harvest is the #1 fastest growing organic brand in the Broth subcategory by unit volume and has grown +60.2% dollar sales and +58.8% unit sales vs YA in the UNFI TA
• Organic Soup has a household penetration of 25% and has gained over 2M new households YOY, outpacing the rest of the category in the U.S.
Key Selling Points
Wild Harvest Syrup
• Private Label is the #1 best-selling organic brand in the Sugar and Sweet Baking category and is growing YOY, outperforming National Brands in the Total U.S. xAOC
• Wild Harvest is the top selling organic brand in the Sugar and Sweet Baking category, and Wild Harvest
Organic Maple Syrup is the #2 selling item, up +7.6% dollar sales and +8.7% unit sales vs YA in the UNFI
• Organic Sugar and Sweet Baking has a household penetration of 22% and has gained over 800K new households YOY, outpacing the rest of the category in the U.S.
See Ad Planner for additional deal details and updates. Link to Ad Planners: SVWire
(UMN)
Upcoming Campaigns
Increase sales through UNFI Media Network:
The UNFI Media Network (UMN) provides innovative ways to connect UNFI suppliers to consumers through onsite (in-store) and offsite digital advertising. These efforts amplify sales and personalize your customer’s shopping experience. UMN offers an integrated and cost-effective solution, marketing personalized digital advertisements to millions of shoppers.
Who can participate?
• Any UNFI-supplied retailer can join UNFI Media Network (UMN), powered by Swiftly Technology
• In doing so, you will gain access to digital solutions that will increase your sales & market share, receive revenue from all negotiated advertising campaigns on your behalf
Retailer benefits:
• Gain digital solutions such as- app, website, loyalty, etc. or, integrate with our partner Swiftly if you already have these tools in place
How do I set up an informational session?
Reach out to your UNFI Account Manager to schedule an appointment
https://www.unfi.com/unfi-media-network.html
• Access to CPG-funded advertising to drive new customers to your store & revenue back in your pocket
Upcoming UMN Campaigns
Campaigns from brands your customers know and love!
Campaign Brands:
Don’t miss out
These digital campaigns are only available to retailers that are a part of the UNFI Media Network (UMN).
Contact Jocelyn Grant, Director – Retail Media, to join UMN today
Upcoming UDAN Campaigns
Campaigns from brands your customers know and love!
Campaign Brands:
Don’t miss out
These campaigns are a part of the National Event Calendar.
New Items
Maison Perrier French Kiss
• Premium sweetened sparkling water containing 10% real fruit juice
• Under 50 calories
• Enriched with 6g of fiber, electrolytes, and prebiotics (first to market)
• Highly rated when tested against similar brands
• 92% satisfaction
• 87% uniqueness
• 93% purchase intent “likely or very likely”
• Key drive times: Summer & Valentines Day
Timing
Deal Info
Latest New & Now
Non-Warehouse Cross Dock New Items:
Ice Cream & Frozen Novelties
Emerging & premium Ice Cream brands driving category excitement!
A new wave of premium and innovative ice cream makers is reshaping the frozen aisle with cleaner ingredients, chef-crafted recipes, bold flavors, and unique formats. These challenger brands attract discovery-driven shoppers, meet modern wellness and lifestyle expectations, and create meaningful trade-up opportunities. Together, they elevate the category with fresh creativity, social-forward appeal, and differentiated indulgence that drives incremental growth for retailers.
Click here to view Ice Cream & Frozen Novelties NWXD additions
*Must be signed up with an active NWXD account to receive these items. Contact your UNFI Account Manager for additional details.
Seasonal Items
Are your shelves ready for summer?
Don’t miss out on these summer staples that should be stocked all season!
Plan Ahead
• Review now to ensure availability on these items for the summer selling season
Diversify
• The items in the lists provided below are not necessarily on Ad, however they are key items for the summer selling season and should remained stocked through September
• DC 12 summer staples list
• DC 14 summer staples list
• DC 15 summer staples list
• DC 18 summer staples list
• DC 23 summer staples list
• DC 61 summer staples list
Charcoal season is almost here!
Grilling is a tradition and sales boost with the warm weather as families get together. Be ready have have your displays built to support it.
Quick Tips:
• Cross merchandise by utilizing racks to display charcoal in the meat section
• Keep pallets of product with your firewood to increase the market basket
Did you know?
• Charcoal is sold through out the year, but warm weather means you must expand your set to accommodate the increase of demand
Order now so your display is ready for the upcoming season!
There are multiple ways to grill. The type of fuel is so important on whether you want additive free, hardwood, pellets to smoke, or a long burn to do a slow roast. It’s a must to have a variety available to meet the growing consumer demands in versatility!
Canning season is almost here!
Canning is done year-round with a burst in sales during any peak produce seasons. This will be from Spring to Fall depending on the produce.
Quick Facts:
• Sure-Jell and Certo are the topmost known pectin brands which is a key ingredient in canning
• Mrs. Wages offers a range of flavors from fridge pickling to pasta sauce found on easy seasonal displays
• Ball Jars are used for more than just Canning including crafting, drinking or for holiday gifts
Did you know?
More than 1 in 3 households participate in food gardening. Tomatoes are the most commonly grown item in any garden!
Order now so your display is ready for the upcoming season!
On Average, each individual consumes 20 pounds of produce per year!
2026 Halloween Candy Catalog
Ordering window: 03/02/26 – 03/29/26
Order window closes soon!
Shipping Window: 07/20/26 – 09/04/26
Click here for the 2026 Halloween Catalog
• Halloween falls on a Saturday in 2026, creating a strong opportunity for extended weekend celebrations and higher candy demand
• Seasonal sales are expected to grow +1-3%
• Four vendors- Hershey, Mars, Ferrero and Ferrara account for over 80% of total sales volume
• Hershey and Ferrero represent the largest incremental dollar opportunity for the season
• Trick or Treat Medium, large and XL bags offer the greatest sales growth potential
• Set early (August) to capitalize on early, unplanned purchases
• Early aisle activation drives both early and repeat purchases throughout the season
• Leverage multiple Halloween displays to capture unplanned purchases- seasonal candy sees higher display driven lift than other snacking categories DON’T MISS OUT!
Don’t forget, SV Harbor can also be used to access all information including color pictures, and to place your orders!
Supplier Updates
Central Region Café Bustelo Update
Non-fee to Fee conversion
What?
• For all Central DC’s, all Café Bustelo items are moving to fee
Why?
• Provide greater pricing transparency
• Reduce complexity and provide a more consistent pricing strategy
When?
• Sell changes will be loaded by 03/27/26 with an effective date of 05/02/26
Central Region Café Bustelo Update
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are we doing anything with zones to keep same retails for Café Bustelo moving to fee?
• Zone retails for non-CRIP stores using UNFI house zones will remain at the current SRP and will not change
Why is this favorable for the stores?
• This move will align the brand with a consistent pricing strategy. It also reduces complexity, provides greater pricing transparency, and allows for easier price comparisons
Will there be a price increase?
• In general, the sell price will be reduced, that amount varies by item, however when you apply a retailer’s grocery fee, they may see an increase in pricing. This category is a commodity and cost are subject to change
Will an alert be posted to SV Harbor regarding the change from Fee to non-Fee?
• Yes. This will be added to the alert grid and posted to SV Harbor
Can you share the codes that will be changing?
• Yes. The item list will be posted on SV Harbor
Will you be putting out a side-by-side list of the old cost and what the new cost will be to show the customer?
• Retailer specific pricing will be available in the advanced price change file on SV Harbor
If you have any additional questions, please reach out to your UNFI Account Manager
Latest Supplier Updates
Chicken of the Sea Sardines
• Chicken of the Sea has provided an update on product availability on sardines, with a specific focus on the King Oscar premium brisling sardines. They have been experiencing unprecedented consumer demand for a year with great acceleration in recent months. As a result, they anticipate fully recovering mid-year 2026. Please review the customer letter here for full details
Nestlé Frozen Pizza
• Nestlé’s pizza supply constraints stem from demand swings, short-term capacity limits, and labor challenges. Nestlé USA has taken the following actions to expedite improvement in supply, where possible:
• Increasing Co-Manufacturing production
• Increasing headcount at factories, where possible
• Allocations on constrained SKUs
o DiGiorno Stuffed Crust Multi Serve SKUs and Tombstone French Fry SKUs on allocation until 5/18/26
• Pausing DiGiorno Stuffed Crust SS until 6/1, and all DiGiorno Gluten Free, CPK Cauliflower Crust, and Jack’s Gluten Free SKUs until 6/15/26
Please review the customer letter here for full details
Latest Supplier Updates
JM Smucker Facility Fire
• JM Smucker has now resumed production on all lines in their Emporia, Kansas manufacturing facility after the fire they experienced in February. With this progress, they will be able to reactivate all open stock SKUs that they had made inactive, as communicated in their letter on February 19th. In the letter there is the estimated SHIPMENT recovery timing for the deactivated SKUs. Please note that as they begin this recovery, these products will be on allocation for a period of time to help ensure broad recovery and supply volume will increase as the bakery fully recovers. In addition, they will also be able to ship their second wave of Red, White, and Blue Seasonal Twinkies & Cupcake items, which are scheduled to ship between May 25 and June 10, 2026. Please review the customer letter here for full details
Yogi Tea
• Due to a supply chain situation on several ingredients, please note that four Yogi Tea SKUs are out of stock. Please review the customer letter here for full details
Nancy’s Probiotic Foods
• Nancy’s is currently experiencing shortages on cottage cheese and yogurt. Please review the customer letter here for full details
Action Items
April Check List
Action Items
2026 Halloween Candy Catalog
• Orders due: 03/29/26!
2026 Holiday & Winter Show
• Registration is now open!
• Show books available: 06/02/26
2026 Summer staples list
• Suggested to review your DC’s file by: 04/30/26 ❑ Core Voids
• Review and place orders on any void items you are missing from your shelves!
Additional Offers & Action Items
❑ Brands+ Front Page Advantage
• Items available through May
❑ Review and take advantage of the upcoming Big Buy and coupon offers
• Suggested pre-book: 6-7 weeks out from the ad week
❑ Review and place orders for Q2 2026 Mercado Buys
• Deals available through June
❑ Review and place orders on the latest new items
If you’re not already enrolled, sign-up for our SED Program. Reach out to your Account Manager for more information!
If you’re not already enrolled, sign-up for SuperDeal$ Telemarketing to receive weekly exclusive offers- enrollment is free!
If you have questions or need anything, please reach out to your UNFI Account Manger