UNFI Philadelphia DC Update
As part of UNFI’s strategic focus on optimizing their network to more effectively and efficiently serve you, UNFI is transitioning service from their Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, distribution center (DC) to their DC in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. This move provides access to the broader customer network served by Carlisle and transitions approved repack volume into Carlisle’s existing operations. As part of this transition, approved repack items currently fulfilled through the Philadelphia distribution center will begin transitioning to the Carlisle distribution center on August 24th, with the transition expected to be completed in October. Because this transition is being initiated by UNFI, activation fees associated with this change will be waived. Carlisle’s enhanced capabilities – including automation, a modern warehouse management system, and fulfillment processes – should help improve order accuracy, service consistency, and capacity over time. This change applies only to Philadelphia DC. Suppliers working with the UNFI Wellness DC in Gilroy will see no changes to their service as part of this transition. UNFI teams are managing this transition in the background, and no action is required from you at this time. Existing item numbers will remain unchanged. Suppliers already set up to ship into Carlisle DC do not need to take any action. If you are not currently set up to ship into the Carlisle DC, UNFI will follow up with you regarding EDI setup, and additional training will be provided. You may begin to see purchase orders gradually transition from Philadelphia to Carlisle as the change progresses.
UNFI Signs on to U.S. Food Waste Pact
UNFI has joined the U.S. Food Waste Pact, the national voluntary agreement that aims to lower food waste across the supply chain. Led by nonprofits ReFED and World Wildlife Fund, the pact unites producers, manufacturers, distributors, foodservice operators and retailers to work together on practical, data-driven solutions that help reduce food waste, bolster operational effectiveness and lead to environmental benefits. UNFI joins three other distribution signatories (Organically Grown Company, Midwest Foods and Sysco) in a growing network of organizations committed to ramp up progress toward a more resilient food system.
“Joining the U.S. Food Waste Pact builds on our ongoing work to advance our commitment to achieving zero waste to landfill by 2030,” said Alisha Real, UNFI’s VP, Sustainability and Impact. “We look forward to learning from fellow signatories and contributing our experience as we work together to identify practical solutions that can help reduce waste, improve resource efficiency and strengthen food recovery efforts.”
According to ReFED, about 29% of all food in the United States – 70 million tons – goes unsold or uneaten annually. Food waste accounts for 114 billion lost meals yearly, and it represents $380 billion in total value, equivalent to 1.3% of the U.S. GDP. More than 3% of the nation’s greenhouse-gas emissions come from food waste, and more than 15% of the country’s freshwater supply is used to cultivate food that ultimately goes to waste.
UNFI has a goal of achieving zero waste to landfills by 2030. Last year, the company diverted 85% of its food waste away from landfill through prevention, salvage food donations, food recycling and other diversion programs.
“We look forward to having UNFI join us at the table,” said Sara Burnett, Executive Director at Chicago-based ReFED. “They bring significant scale and decades of experience in the distribution sector, and we’re excited to see how their participation accelerates our shared goal of reducing food waste.”
Other U.S. Food Waste Pact signatories include Ahold Delhaize USA, Albertsons Cos., ALDI, FMI – The Food Industry Association, the International Fresh Produce Association, The Kroger Co., New Seasons Market, The Raley’s Companies, Sprouts Farmers Market, Walmart, Wawa and Whole Foods Market.
UNFI Hudson Valley Distribution Center Receiving Schedule Change
The UNFI Hudson Valley Distribution Center has updated its receiving schedule effective August 16th.
Key Change: The receiving schedule will shift from Sunday-Thursday to Monday
Friday, replacing the Sunday receiving window with a Friday receiving window.
Current Receiving Schedule
(In effect through August 15th)
New Receiving Schedule
(Effective August 16th)
Please review and adjust shipment schedules as needed to align with the new receiving hours.
If you have any questions regarding this change, please contact HVAppts@unfi.com.
UNFI Upcoming Changes to Supplier Data Exchange
As part of our ongoing efforts to create a more consistent and scalable way of working together, UNFI is taking steps to improve how they exchange data between businesses and support more streamlined interactions.
In the coming weeks, UNFI will be launching an electronic data interchange (EDI) initiative. This is being provided early so you know what to expect and have time to prepare for future communications.
As part of this initiative, UNFI is partnering with SPS Commerce, a third-party provider, to help standardize and streamline how UNFI shares purchase orders, changes, shipment notices, labels, and invoices electronically. SPS Commerce will guide you through onboarding and provide ongoing support. Establishing these EDI connections creates a stronger foundation for how information will be shared between our businesses as UNFI continues investing in its processes and technology. After launch, a dedicated SPS Commerce consultant will reach out with next steps.
You’ll receive a formal announcement outlining the initiative and all details in the coming weeks; no action is needed today. UNFI will provide additional details at that time, including expectations and timing.
UNFI Manchester Digital BOL Pilot Program Details
UNFI is piloting updates to the check-in and delivery documentation process at the Manchester distribution center. The pilot uses Vector, a third-party platform, to support mobile check-in, digital bills of lading (BOLs), and electronic proof of delivery (POD). These updates are designed to improve access to delivery records and streamline the check-in and check-out experience while supporting a timely delivery process. Receiving, unloading, and delivery requirements are not changing.
What to expect
What’s not changing
Additional details will be shared as UNFI approaches implementation, which is expected to be on September 22nd.
(847) 277-9500