Celebrating UNFI’s Customer Circle of Excellence Award Winners
February 12, 2025 5 minute read
There’s a lot to look forward to at UNFI’s selling shows, and this year’s Spring and Summer Selling Show in Orlando, Florida, was no exception. The event brought together more than 4,500 attendees, connecting 2,300 retailers with nearly 900 supplier brands over two days. For retailers, there’s one highlight that stands out – UNFI’s second annual Customer Circle of Excellence Awards for the East Region.
The awards recognize high-performing retailers of various sizes that are driving growth, innovation, and community impact across the grocery retail industry.
Selecting just five winners from the impressive network of UNFI retailers in the East region is easier said than done. Here’s a closer look at the five winners and some of the ways they stand out.
Local Independent Performance Award – AML Foods
AML Foods is a leading retailer in the Bahamas that partners with UNFI on a number of programs. With recent remodels, AML Foods has added new offerings across departments and is poised to open another store later this year. Impressively, 80% of their customers are on their loyalty program.
Local Independent Impact Award – Healthy Living Markets
Healthy Living Markets is dedicated to caring for the environment and focuses on issues of global and local concern, including compostable containers, cutlery, lids and produce bags. The retailer is committed to a fun, supportive, and flexible workplace, with incentives for employee sustainability activities. Their stores are powered by 100% renewable energy.
Regional/National Chain Performance Award – America’s Food Basket
America’s Food Basket has posted impressive growth over the past year. The retailer has been a key partner in UNFI’s Tropical Produce program and continues to gain market share in the North and Southeast through a variety of initiatives, including a focus on multicultural offerings.
Regional National Chain Impact Award – The Fresh Market
The Fresh Market has a strong reputation for contributing to the community and fostering meaningful connections with local organizations and businesses. From hunger relief and employee engagement to local sourcing and inclusivity in product offerings, The Fresh Market is making a difference through its programs and partnerships.
National Account Performance Award – DoorDash
DoorDash is a technology company that connects consumers with their favorite local businesses in more than 30 countries across the globe. It also empowers emerging brands, supporting virtual storefronts and allowing small businesses to thrive on a national scale by utilizing the DashMart network.
“With thousands of retail banners and countless outstanding achievements across our diverse network, it’s nearly impossible to choose just five winners for our annual Customer Circle of Excellence Awards,” said Mark Bushway, President of Natural, Organic, Specialty & Fresh Products and UNFI Chief Supply Chain Officer. “These retailers, each with unique value propositions, are driving growth, innovation, and impact in ways that inspire our industry to be better every day. We look forward to recognizing more of our valued customers and suppliers during our Holiday and Winter Selling Shows later this year.”
Stay tuned for more spotlights of standout UNFI partners throughout the year, including the West and Central region Customer Circle of Excellence winners and our National Supplier Circle of Excellence Awards.