PROVIDENCE, R.I.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug 8, 2024--
United Natural Foods, Inc. (NYSE: UNFI) (the “Company” or “UNFI”) just concluded its second successful 2024 Winter and Holiday Selling Show, where it highlighted a wide range of innovative products, programs and services aimed at helping food retailers drive profitable growth during the upcoming holiday season.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240808683407/en/
UNFI's recently launched UNFI Media Network (UMN), powered by Swiftly was featured prominently. Retail media networks have shown to be highly precise and effective advertising platforms for both suppliers and retailers, and consumers have shown willingness to embrace these new platforms. (Photo: Business Wire)
Nearly 2,100 customers visited more than 800 exhibitors, featuring 1,500 brands, during the two-day event. Customers experienced UNFI’s portfolio of differentiated and competitively priced products, and value-added services, designed to help them create compelling shopping experiences and grow their businesses. The show also featured 50 suppliers from the Company’s New Product and Diverse Supplier showcases, as well as more than 70 suppliers offering show-exclusive “Monster Buys” on over 1,700 products.
“Our annual shows bring together our connected community of retailers and suppliers to experience a full range of opportunities to grow their businesses,” said UNFI Chief Customer Officer, Steve Dietz. “The deals offered cross all categories, our Monster Buys, which are exclusive to customers who attend the show, and our new UNFI Media Network, are great examples of how UNFI is helping both our retailers and suppliers win in their markets.”
UNFI Retail Media Network
The show’s mainstage opening included a presentation on the Company’s recently launched UNFI Media Network (UMN), powered by Swiftly. Attendance was strong, as retail media networks have shown to be highly precise and effective advertising platforms for both suppliers and retailers, and consumers have shown willingness to embrace these new platforms. Delivered by Matt Eckhouse, UNFI President of Professional Services, and Sean Turner, Swiftly Co-founder & Chief Innovation Officer, the presentation centered on how retailers can best take advantage of UMN to benefit their customers.
UNFI Pitch Slam Contest
One of the most anticipated sessions at every UNFI show is the Company’s unique Pitch Slam competition, where emerging brands pitch their innovative new products to a live audience. Five contestants competed in the Minneapolis Pitch Slam competition and the winner was Like Air, a family-run business that makes better-for-you snacks that do not compromise taste. For winning the Pitch Slam, Like Air will receive a complimentary campaign on UMN later this year.
UNFI will next host its 2025 Spring and Summer show in San Diego, CA, from January 21 – 23, 2025. For information on UNFI Shows, customers or suppliers can visit: https://www.unfi.com/shows-events or email events@unfi.com.
About UNFI
UNFI is North America's premier grocery wholesaler delivering the widest variety of fresh, branded, and owned brand products to more than 30,000 locations throughout North America, including natural product superstores, independent retailers, conventional supermarket chains, ecommerce providers, and food service customers. UNFI also provides a broad range of value-added services and segmented marketing expertise, including proprietary technology, data, market insights, and shelf management to help customers and suppliers build their businesses and brands. As the largest full-service grocery partner in North America, UNFI is committed to building a food system that is better for all and is uniquely positioned to deliver great food, more choices, and fresh thinking to customers. To learn how UNFI is delivering better food and creating a better future, visit www.unfi.com.
Nearly 2,100 customers visited more than 800 exhibitors, featuring 1,500 brands, during the two-day event. Customers experienced UNFI’s portfolio of differentiated and competitively priced products, and value-added services, designed to help them create compelling shopping experiences and grow their businesses. (Photo: Business Wire)
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Aaron Rodgers was in total control in a superb homecoming performance that kept the cheers and chants going from the giddy New York Jets fans.
And this time, Rodgers was able to walk off the field — healthy and a winner.
The star quarterback threw two touchdown passes while being showered with “Aa-ron! Rod-gers!” chants throughout, New York’s defense was dominant and the Jets rolled to a 24-3 victory over the New England Patriots in their home opener Thursday night.
“It was a really special night,” Rodgers said. “All those chants are really meaningful.”
Rodgers started his first game at MetLife Stadium since leaving the field just over a year ago with a torn Achilles tendon in New York's opener. The 40-year-old quarterback showed no signs of the injury — or playing in his third game in 11 days — while scrambling several times and making off-balance throws all night, slicing through New England's defense with surgical precision.
“It felt great,” Rodgers said. “I was feeling real good out there. I felt good in pregame. I told you guys after Week 1 that it's going to be a process and I'll continue to extend plays once I feel more comfortable. This was kind of a first step in playing like I know I'm capable of playing.
“I felt like I was, you know, myself.”
Rodgers finished 27 of 35 for 281 yards with TD tosses to Garrett Wilson and Allen Lazard as the Jets (2-1) ended an eight-game home losing streak against the Patriots (1-2).
“He may not be what he used to be, but he still has plenty in those legs,” a smiling Jets coach Robert Saleh said of Rodgers. “His arm is still 30 and his mind is still operating at a high level.”
New York, which stopped a 15-game skid against New England last season in Bill Belichick's final game as the Patriots' coach, sacked Jacoby Brissett five times. Drake Maye, the No. 3 overall pick in April, made his NFL debut when he replaced Brissett — who was 12 of 18 for 98 yards — with 4:24 left in the game.
Maye finished 4 for 8 for 22 yards and was sacked twice, but Patriots coach Jerod Mayo wasn't sure he would be making a quarterback change any time soon.
“I don't know,” the first-year coach said. “We talk every single week that you’re competing for a job. We’ll get together as a coaching staff and see where it goes.”
Breece Hall ran for a score for the Jets, who also snapped a six-game skid in Thursday night games.
And there was never much of a doubt in this one between the AFC East rivals.
“A lot of good things to build on from this game,” said Rodgers, who jogged onto the field to a thunderous ovation.
Soon after, he sent the crowd into a frenzy again.
After the Jets' first drive stalled, Rodgers marched them down the field — with a little help by a mental mistake from the Patriots.
A first-down pass from Rodgers to Hall was stopped for no gain, but Jahlani Tavai lifted the Jets running back and slammed him to the turf with a move more suitable for the wrestling ring. The 15-yard penalty put the ball at New England's 31.
Four plays later, Rodgers threw a quick out to Lazard on his left. The receiver made a move and Alex Austin reached out to try to stop him, but instead got only a handful of Lazard's undershirt that stretched several yards like a rubber band before Lazard broke away and zipped into the end zone for a 13-yard touchdown.
Lazard immediately ran over to his quarterback and handed the ball to Rodgers, who threw his first touchdown pass at home for the Jets.
Rodgers and the Jets kept things going on their next possession, capping a 13-play, 91-yard drive with a 1-yard run by Hall that was reversed by video review after it was originally ruled he was short of the goal line.
Joey Slye's 44-yard field goal cut the Patriots' deficit to 14-3 with 3:56 left in the first half.
New York made it 21-3 with 6:18 remaining in the third quarter when Rodgers zipped a pass to his right and found Wilson, who toe-tapped in the front corner of the end zone for a 2-yard touchdown.
It marked the third straight game the Jets had at least three touchdowns on offense.
After Chuck Clark forced and recovered a fumble by Rhamondre Stevenson, the Jets increased their lead on a 28-yard field goal by Greg Zuerlein.
“Honestly, it just wasn’t our night,” Brissett said. “I don’t think we did anything well, to be honest with you.”
In the first half, the Jets outgained the Patriots 252 yards to 40 and had 17 first downs to New England's four. It was the fewest first downs for the Patriots in any half since 2000.
The final stats weren't much better: New York finished with 400 yards to New England's 139, and 27 first downs to the Patriots' 11.
Patriots: Austin (ankle), LG Michael Jordan (knee) and rookie LT Caedan Wallace (knee) all left in the fourth quarter.
Jets: RT Morgan Moses injured a knee on the final play of the third quarter and didn't return. First-round pick Olu Fashanu replaced him.
Patriots: At San Francisco on Sept. 29.
Jets: Host Denver on Sept. 29.
AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) motions to fans as he walks off the field after playing against the New England Patriots in an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) reacts during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New England Patriots running back Antonio Gibson (4) carries the ball against the New York Jets during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh congratulates New York Jets running back Breece Hall (20) and quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) after the Jets scored a touchdown against the New England Patriots during the third quarter of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard (10) scores a touchdown against New England Patriots safety Kyle Dugger (23) during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) passes against the New England Patriots during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) steps back to pass against the New England Patriots during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard (10) runs for a touchdown despite the efforts of New England Patriots cornerback Alex Austin (28) during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) motions on the line of scrimmage against the New England Patriots during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) reacts after throwing a touchdown pass against the New England Patriots during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
