UNFI partners with CoupDog to enhance digital coupon system for retailers

Wholesaler United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI) and digital coupon platform CoupDog are partnering up to offer customers digital coupons on products, including private label items, UNFI said Thursday.

CoupDog’s blockchain technology will provide UNFI retailers access to an easy-to-use and reliable digital coupon that can be integrated into mobile wallets such as Apple Pay and Google Wallet, or even printed on paper, UNFI said in a statement. CoupDog’s patented solution supports the new 8112 Universal Digital Coupon format, UNFI added.

“Retailers rely on UNFI to help them discover what’s next, introduce them to new opportunities to drive growth and efficiencies, and deliver insights and expertise that help them succeed in their market. To that end, we’re excited to be working with CoupDog to unleash the latest in digital technology to redefine coupons for grocery retail,” said Chris Testa, president at UNFI, in a statement. “Our focus is on solutions that empower retailers to grow and thrive while improving the customer experience for shoppers. These technologically advanced coupons not only deliver a more reliable and secure transaction, but they are also structured to reduce costs, improve cash flow, increase shopper loyalty and drive retailer profits.”

The partnership will help UNFI’s more than 30,000 customer locations drive increased participation in manufacturer-funded coupon redemption, the wholesaler said.

“CoupDog and the UNFI Professional Services teams have collaborated over the past year developing a comprehensive and integrated solution that helps retailers deliver digital savings to their customers both in-store and online,” according to CoupDog’s website announcing the partnership.

“We are very excited to be working with UNFI to empower independent grocers to deliver a modern, simple, easy-to-use digital coupon platform,” said Rob Balfour, CEO of CoupDog, in a statement. “We are proud to provide these retailers with best-in-class promotional tools, allowing them to deliver compelling promotions and significant cost savings to their customers.”

UNFI, which serves about 30,000 independent grocers, is a Providence, Rhode Island-based wholesaler.