UNFI Launches Media Network For Independent Retailers
United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI) has launched a retail media network for independent and regional grocery retailers across the United States.
The UNFI Media Network (UMN), powered by Swiftly, is designed to bring retail technology solutions to UNFI’s extensive network of more than 30,000 retail customer locations and approximately 11,000 brand partners, to help them compete in an increasingly digital-first world.
UMN combines UNFI's supplier offerings with Swiftly's technology platform, personalization engine, closed-loop reporting, and analytics capabilities. The goal of UMN is to empower UNFI’s retail customers to connect more meaningfully and personally with their consumers while simultaneously providing unique opportunities for UNFI suppliers to showcase their brands and build their brand equity. It is designed to enable retailers to reach their shoppers digitally while connecting to the industry’s largest collection of suppliers, who in turn, can take advantage of this platform to more effectively market directly to shoppers through the retailers in the network.
“UNFI’s partnership with Swiftly is formidable, offering an innovative solution to power both enterprise and independent grocer technology and retail media,” said Sandy Douglas, UNFI’s chief executive officer. “UMN enables UNFI’s retail customers and suppliers to better compete in today’s retail marketplace, with an increasingly digital focus. We believe UMN will help us create compelling and sustainable value for our customers, suppliers, and shareholders.”
Henry Kim, chief executive officer at Swiftly, added, “UMN will enable brands to reach tens of millions of consumers across the U.S. Additionally, retailers will gain access to the content provided by UNFI’s approximately 11,000 brand partners, enhancing their offerings, and driving engagement with consumers.”
