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e-News
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UNFI, Whole Foods sign seven-year deal |
10.06.2006
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DAYVILLE, Conn.--United Natural Foods Inc. announced Monday that it has signed a seven-year distribution contract with Whole Foods Market Inc.
This new distribution agreement makes UNFI, here, the primary wholesale natural grocery distributor to the Whole Foods' stores in regions of the country where UNFI is already the primary distributor. The contract, effective through Sept. 29, 2013, replaces the current three-year agreement between the companies that was scheduled to expire on Dec. 31, 2007.
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While full terms of the agreement are not being disclosed at this time, it is clear that both companies view this extended partnership as a move to encourage the companies' growth. "This seven-year agreement will allow us to concentrate our capital investment and resources on aggressively expanding our store base," said Walter Robb, co-president and co-chief operating officer of the Austin, Texas-based natural supermarket operator, in a prepared statement. According to the Whole Foods Web site, the company has more than 70 stores in development across the country.
UNFI plans to develop their distribution network over the next 18 to 24 months in effort to improve customer service and reduce transportation costs, according to a prepared statement by Michael Funk, UNFI president and chief executive office. "We will be able to continue to invest in our infrastructure to provide scalability as well as the necessary support to meet their growth needs as well as the growth of all our customers."
UNFI distributes to more than 20,000 customers nationwide including supermarkets, natural product stores and independent retailers. Whole Foods has 187 stores in North America and the United Kingdom.
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