UNFI to host its 1st selling show of 2023 next month

Kicking off the first of four shows in 2023, United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI) is getting ready to host its spring and summer show Feb. 7-8 in Orlando, the grocery wholesaler announced last week.

Over 4,000 customers, suppliers, vendors and emerging brands are expected to meet with experts across natural, general merchandise/health and beauty care (GM/HBC), meat, seafood, produce, and bakery and deli departments at next month’s show.

“Our selling shows are a great way for our customers to discover new products and trends that extend their reach and relevance with shoppers, and in return, help them drive sustainable growth and a competitive edge in the marketplace,” said Jillian D’Elia, senior director of event strategy at UNFI, in a statement. “Throughout the 170,000 square feet of show floor space, retailers and suppliers can find the right selection of products, prices, and people to help them optimize the spring and summer seasons.”

This past weekend, Sandy Douglas, CEO of UNFI, spoke at the FMI Midwinter Executive Conference in Orlando, where he expressed the urgency of technology and its need to be at the forefront. Looking to help independent grocery retailers stand out from the competition UNFI’ will showcase the latest retail industry tech innovations, such as  as electronic shelf labels and scan & go technologies, at the show.

At the February show, UNFI’s New Product Showcase will also feature over 30 suppliers offering 50 new products across the following grocery categories: frozen, chill, bakery and deli. The show will also have on display UNFI’s new branding and packaging, which features the “Our Harvest Promise” seal.

The night before the show begins, UNFI's UpNext team, which discovers and mentors emerging entrepreneurs and brands, will host its Pitch Slam event. The Feb. 6 event is a chance for emerging brands to gain access to UNFI retailers.

UNFI supplies fresh, branded and private-label products to more than 30,000 locations throughout North America, including independent retailers, supermarket chains, natural grocers, e-commerce companies and more.