United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI) outlined its multi-year value creation strategy and long-term financial targets during its 2025 Investor Day event in New York City, emphasizing sustained profitable growth, investment in capabilities for customers and suppliers and enhanced cash-flow generation.
The company said it expects to drive low-single digit average annual net sales growth through fiscal 2028, targeting about $33 billion in net sales by the end of that period. Adjusted EBITDA is projected to grow at a low-double-digit annual rate toward a goal of about $800 million, while free cash flow is expected to average roughly $300 million annually from fiscal 2026 through fiscal 2028.
Strategic Priorities Include New Capabilities and Technology
UNFI CEO Sandy Douglas said the company has been executing on the strategy introduced more than a year ago, with an increased focus on supporting its retail and supplier partners.
“We are advancing our strategy and building unique capabilities to help our customers and suppliers more effectively differentiate and compete in the marketplace,” Douglas said. “With our improved financial position and scaled network, we are poised for continued profitable growth and value creation.”
UNFI outlined several strategic priorities for enhancing its value proposition:
- Creating new capabilities to support retailer and supplier needs, including customer stewardship, merchandising and supplier support, professional and digital services, and private brands;
- Developing next-generation technology to improve digital capabilities with simplicity, performance and operational efficiency;
- Investing in supply chain modernization through advanced technologies and expanded Lean Daily Management processes; and
- Maximizing productivity by streamlining selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A) and eliminating operational waste.
CFO highlights confidence in plan, execution
Matteo Tarditi, UNFI’s president and CFO, emphasized the company’s focus on generating strong free cash flow while reinvesting to strengthen its network and operational capabilities.
“UNFI is taking action to help our customers and suppliers succeed while continuing to generate strong free cash flow that we can invest back into strengthening our network, operating capabilities and balance sheet,” Tarditi said. “We are executing and have a high confidence plan to achieve our objectives and create sustained shareholder value.”
[RELATED: UNFI Reports Q1 Fiscal 2026 Results, Adjusted EBITDA Up 24.6%]