During its second Holiday and Winter Selling Show of 2025, United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI) brought together more than 3,900 attendees, 1,400 retailers and 750 suppliers in Uncasville, Connecticut, where exhibitors showcased thousands of products in the natural, organic, fresh, specialty and conventional grocery categories.
In addition, UNFI experts shared the latest industry insights and emerging growth opportunities to help grocers stand out during the upcoming holiday and winter selling season. Top industry trends include:
- Promotions are on the rise – Promotional activity has ramped up with one-third of grocery volume focused on deals or value.
- Private label is gaining popularity – Investment in private label continues with an expected 40 percent sales growth by 2030.
- Disruptors are picking up speed – Challenger brands are gaining an edge, generating 27 percent growth in the food sector last year.
- Health and wellness brands are booming – Fresh, high-protein and better-for-you options are outpacing the rest of the store.
- Experiences are essential – Unique assortments and in-store experiences continue to drive traffic and volume for retailers of all sizes.
To help customers and suppliers capitalize on these trends, UNFI leaders also highlighted how their professional services offerings – including data platforms like Scan Advantage – can make it easier to use consumer insights and analytics for better assortment and promotional planning during high-volume seasons.
“UNFI Professional Services has been a game changer for us,” said Emily Brown, store manager, Catherine’s Market.
“Scan Advantage gives us the insight we need to align our operations and product mix with seasonal trends and consumer preferences. It helps us stay ahead of what they’re looking for, whether it’s national brands or ideas we can translate into our house-made bakery and deli offerings.”
Honoring suppliers
UNFI also honored 31 supplier brand partners across 15 categories in its second annual Supplier Circle of Excellence Awards. The program recognizes suppliers for excellence in brand performance, category leadership and product innovation.
“This year’s Supplier Circle of Excellence Award winners represent the best of our industry, and we’re proud to recognize their meaningful contributions,” said UNFI CEO Sandy Douglas.
“Their leadership, creativity and commitment to excellence in an increasingly competitive market is defining the future of the consumer-packaged goods and grocery retail industries.”
UNFI recognized the following companies with the highest Circle of Excellence award, Supplier of the Year:
- Impact Supplier of the Year – Chobani;
- Broad Market Supplier of the Year – Loisa; and
- Supplier of the Year – The Hershey Co.
“At Chobani, our commitment to our people and our communities runs deep – we live it every day by working with local partners to end hunger,” said Marcin Moscicki, VP of sales at Chobani.
“Our partnership with UNFI has helped us extend that impact even further, bringing nutritious food to more communities and making a meaningful difference where it’s needed most.”
[RELATED: UNFI Celebrates Grocery Retailers During Holiday, Winter Selling Show]