Key Takeaways
- Enhanced Focus on Impact Areas: UNFI has concentrated efforts on crucial areas like safety, well-being, waste, climate, sourcing, and community, showing that initiatives benefitting the planet and society can also enhance business performance.
- Building Sustainable Value: The Company’s strategy to establish itself as a central connector in the food system value chain has led to significant sustainability and operational efficiency strides.
- Environmental Initiatives and Achievements: Notable accomplishments include the installation of their largest solar array, LED lighting conversions in all distribution centers, and developing a zero-emission vehicle plan, all contributing to reduced carbon footprint and improved energy efficiency.
- Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): Through DEI programming and initiatives, UNFI has focused on building a diverse and dynamic workforce, enhancing recruitment, and benefiting from varied perspectives.
- Strategic Partnerships and Programs: The Company has launched programs like the Climate Action Partnership and supported initiatives like the “Acres: Cultivating Equity in Black Agriculture” program, fostering collaboration and efficiency across the supply chain.
Progress and Initiatives
United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI) has released its 13th annual Better for All Report, highlighting the company’s advancements in its social, environmental, and governance objectives during the 2023 fiscal year. This report is a testament to UNFI’s commitment to enhancing its impact on safety, well-being, waste, climate, sourcing, and community and how these initiatives positively affect the company’s business performance.
Sandy Douglas, President and CEO of UNFI, emphasized the company’s role in creating sustainable value for stakeholders and a better food system. Key achievements in fiscal 2023 include:
- The implementation of new responsible sourcing policies.
- Expansion of supplier diversity efforts.
- Significant progress in environmental sustainability initiatives.
Environmental and Social Achievements
- Sustainable Sourcing and Animal Welfare: UNFI has introduced a formal policy to support zero deforestation by 2025 and an action plan for animal welfare standards in its supply chain.
- Solar Array Installations: The company has completed its largest solar array installation in New Jersey and is planning an even larger one in California, reducing its carbon footprint and energy costs.
- Climate Action Partnership: This initiative encourages suppliers to make credible climate commitments, promoting collaboration and efficiency in the food system.
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: UNFI has enhanced its workforce diversity and performance through DEI programs, benefiting from diverse perspectives in distribution centers and corporate offices.
- Electric Vehicle Blueprint: The plan outlines the transition to zero-emission vehicles in California, aiming to reduce fuel and maintenance costs while improving air quality.
- LED Lighting Conversions: Completed in all distribution centers, these conversions have reduced greenhouse gas emissions costs and improved safety.
- Reverse Logistics Disposition Reporting System: This system, deployed in all distribution centers, improves inventory visibility operating efficiency, reduces food waste, and minimizes waste disposal costs.
- Support for Black Agriculture: UNFI has backed the “Acres: Cultivating Equity in Black Agriculture” program to enhance relationships with high-quality producers.
About UNFI
UNFI is North America’s leading grocery wholesaler, offering various customers an extensive range of products and value-added services, including natural product superstores, independent retailers, conventional supermarket chains, eCommerce providers, and food service customers. With a commitment to building a better food system, UNFI is dedicated to delivering exceptional value, choices, and innovative solutions to its stakeholders.
Image provided by UNFI
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