GFD Merchandising Playbook
Grocery | Frozen | Dairy
October 2024
Planning for: November, December & January
Key October Offers & Action Items
Don’t Miss Offers
Place orders for Kraft Heat-up Promotions
October and November Ad Items Due: 9/27/24
December Ad Items due: 11/1/24
Place orders for November & December Big Buys
Place order for Q1 Candy Displays
Orders due: 11/1/24
Place orders for Spring & Easter Refrigerated Dough LTOs
Orders Due: 10/18/24
Place orders for Q1 Valentine’s, Spring & Easter Pet Items
Orders Due: 10/25/24
Place orders for Dot’s Pretzels Introductory Offer
Deal Ends: 10/26/24
Additional Offers & Action Items
Review and place orders for Grande & Seasonal Mercado Buys
Grande Buy - Orders Due: 10/25/24
Seasonal Mercado Buy - Orders Due: 11/15/24
Review the Winter Holiday Spice & Extracts Guide and determine if you have enough of the top 25 products on order.
Suggested Due Date: 10/31/2024
December $ave Coupon Book
Sign-ups Due: 10/11/24
If you’re not already enrolled, sign-up for SuperDeal$ Telemarketing to receive weekly exclusive offers. Enrolment is free.
Suggested Due Date: 10/31/2024
Holidays
& Celebrations
Upcoming Holidays & Celebrations
November
November: Peanut Butter Lovers Month
November: National Pepper Month
November: Gluten-Free Diet Awareness Month
11/1: National Cinnamon Day
11/2: National Deviled Eggs Day
11/3: National Sandwich Day
11/6: National Nacho Day
11/14: National Pickle Day
11/15: National Raisin Bran Cereal Day
11/18: National Apple Cider Day
11/25: Thanksgiving
December
January
12/1: National Pie Day
12/2: Cyber Monday
12/3: National Day of Giving #GivingTuesday
12/4: National Cookie Day
12/6: National Microwave Oven Day
12/8: National Brownie Day
12/12: National Gingerbread House Day
12/13: National Cocoa Day
12/17: National Maple Syrup Day
12/24: National Eggnog Day
12/25: Christmas
12/25 – 1/2/25: Hanukkah
12/31: New Year’s Eve
January: Healthy Living
January: National Soup Month
January: National Hot Tea Month
January: National Oatmeal Month
1/1: New Year’s Day
1/4: National Spaghetti Day
1/11: National Milk Day
1/19: National Popcorn Day
1/20: National Cheese Lovers’ Day
1/22: National Hot Sauce Day
1/24: National Peanut Butter Day
1/31: National Hot Chocolate Day
Events & Promotions
Upcoming Events (Group A)
November
Holiday Entertaining
Ad Week: 11/3/24
Conagra Innovation
Ad Week: 11/3/24
Brands+ Thanksgiving
Ad Week: 11/10/24
Unilever Thanksgiving
Ad Week: 11/10/24
Key Thanksgiving Items
Ad Week: 11/17/24 & 11/24/24
December
Holiday Entertaining Ad Week: 12/01/24
Movie Event
Ad Week: 12/01/24
Conagra Holiday Ad Week: 12/08/24
Quaker Breakfast Event Ad Week: 12/08/24
Brands+ Christmas Ad Week: 12/08/24 Key Christmas Items
Ad Week: 12/15/24 & 12/22/24 Healthy Living Ad Week: 12/29/24 Brands+ Healthy Living Ad Week: 12/29/24
1/05/25
Back to Routine
Week: 1/05/25 Kellogg’s Minecraft Ad Week: 01/12/25 Conagra New Item Innovation Ad Week: 1/19/25
Super Bowl Ad Week: 1/26/25 Unilever Super Bowl Ad Week: 1/26/25
Upcoming P&G Brand Saver Events
Fabric
Care NFL | Ad Week: 9/29/24
Build basket for customers to execute a stress-free move relying on P&G brands to deliver the best solutions and superior product performance!
Moving
Program | Ad Week: 10/27/24
Get shoppers to stock up on CC&F supplies PROACTIVELY by communicating the efficacy of P&G brands that can help fight against CC&F viruses.
Holiday
| Ad Week: 12/1/24
Alleviate the stresses of hosting during the holidays by showing how shopping P&G brands at your local grocer can help elevate your home from everyday living to holiday hosting ready.
Does your store have its own Coupon Book and/or Ad Circular? You can also sign-up for “Own Extra Effort,” at no additional charge to receive the Ad Planner with all the deals and create your own coupon offers to your customer.
Contact your UNFI Account Manager today! Sign-up for printed books, Own Extra Effort, or Digital Deals!
December $AVE Coupon Book
• Promotion Dates: 12/1 - 12/14/2024
• New look! The $AVE Coupon Books are now oriented horizontally and open from bottom to top.
• Offers are valid for two weeks.
• We will have 40+ offers for December. Includes grocery, frozen, dairy, meat and produce departments.
• Includes both MEGA coupons and regular coupons.
Calling Special Retailer Groups! We are looking for stores to sign up for $AVE Digital Deals. Stores must be in UNFI
Central Region, currently subscribe to an AppCard loyalty program, and may only participate in digital OR printed coupons to avoid coupon stacking.
Please contact your UNFI Account Manager and Erin Swanson (erin.k.swanson@unfi.com) to get additional information.
December $AVE Sign-up Due: 10/11/2024
Click Here for Sign-up Form
Expanding on our SED Program to Include SED+
See SED Item List for the items and specific DC pricing. Link to SVWire
Kraft Surveys for Holiday Heat up ads! (Group
A)
Classico Pasta Sauce
• Heat up to 2/$5 SRP
• Ad Weeks: 11/10/24 & 12/8/24
Mac & Cheese 4pk
• Heat up to 2/$8 SRP, better NUC and all cash
• Ad Week: 11/3/24
Kraft Deluxe Mac & Cheese
• Heat up to 2/$6 SRP, better NUC and all cash
• Ad Weeks: 11/3/24 & 12/15/24
Devour Frozen Entrees
• Heat up to 2/$6 SRP, better NUC.
• Ad Week: 12/1/24
Kraft Salad Dressing
• Heat up to 2/$6 SRP
• Ad Weeks: 11/17/24, 11/24/24, 12/15/24 & 12/22/24
Kraft Mayo
• Heat up to $4.49 SRP
• Ads running 11/17/24, 11/24/24 & 12/8/24
• Holiday ads will include a $1.00 off any Kraft Mayo or Miracle Whip 15oz or larger coupon
Miracle Whip
• Heat up to $4.99 SRP
• Ad Weeks: 11/17/24, 11/24/24, 12/15/24 & 12/22/24
• Holiday ads will include a $1.00 off any Kraft Mayo or Miracle Whip 15oz or larger coupon
Due dates for orders: 9/27/24 for October and November ads 11/1/24 for December ads Contact your UNFI Account Manager for Order Forms.
Upcoming Coupon Offers (Group A)
Coupon Offers*
• Ad Week: 9/29/24: Buy 1 Hershey XL Bag Candy & Save $1.50
• Ad Week: 10/6/24:
o Buy any 8 Conagra items & Save $3.50 on selected items
o Buy any additional 8 Conagra items & Save $3.50 on selected items
o Save $1.50 when you buy 3 Hershey King Size Bars
o Save $1.50 when you buy 3 Hershey 8pk Snack Size
o Buy any 2 Cheez-it Large or Club Crackers & Save $3.00
• Ad Week: 10/13/24:
o Save $1.00 when you buy 2 Hershey Snack Size Candy Bags
o Quaker offer: Buy any 5 save $3.00 on selected items
• Ad Week: 10/20/24:
o Buy 4 General Mills items & Save $2.00 on selected items
o Buy 1 Hershey XL Bag Candy & Save $1.50
• Ad Week: 11/3/24: Buy 2 Hershey Baking Chips & Save $1.00
• Ad Week: 11/17/24 & 11/24/24: Buy 2 Philadelphia Cream Cheese 8oz Brick & Save $1.00
• Ad Week: 11/17/24 & 11/24/24: Buy Any Kraft Mayo or Miracle Whip 15oz or Larger & Save $1.00
Upcoming Shocker Offers (Group A)
High Volume, Traffic Driving Items at Hot Front Cover Prices!
Shocker Offers*
• 09/29/24: Healthy Choice Frozen Dinners or Steamer; 2/$4.00
• 09/29/24: Kraft Chunk & Shredded Cheese 8oz; 2/$4.00
• 10/06/24: Angel Soft 8 Mega Roll Base; $5.99
• 10/06/24: Keebler Cookies; 2/$5.00
• 10/06/24: EE Frozen Potatoes; 2/$5.00
• 10/13/24: Smart Ones Frozen Entrees; 2/$3.00
• 10/13/24: DiGiorno Core; 2/$11.00
• 10/13/24: Ice Mountain/Arrowhead Spring Water 24pk 16.9oz; $3.99
• 10/20/24: Pure Life Water 24pk 16.9oz; 2/$7.00
• 10/20/24: Northern 6 Mega Roll/Brawny 4 Dbl Paper Towel; $5.99
• 10/20/24: Prego Pasta Sauce 24oz; 2/$4.00
• 10/27/24: V8 Splash 64oz; 2/$4.00
• 10/27/24: EE Salad Dressing; 3/$5.00
• 11/03/24: Hershey Baking Chips 7-14oz; 2/$5.00
• 11/03/24: Marie Callender Frozen Bowls; 2/$4.00
• 11/03/24: Old Orchard Cocktail/Healthy Balance Juice 64oz; 2/$4.00
• 11/10/24: EE Vegetable, Canola and Blended Oil 40oz; $2.99
• 11/10/24: International Delight Creamers; 2/$7.00
• 11/10/24: EE Low Tier Frozen Vegetable 12oz; 5/$5.00
Grande Buys (October – December)
19/5.7oz
$20.90/ Case; $1.10/Unit
Item 4181828/4180803
Deal Available: Oct. – Dec.
Pringles Day of the Death 84/ 1 CT
$152.62/case; $1.82/ unit
Item #: 3060991
Deal Available: October
6/ 110oz; 29.42/case
$4.90/ unit
Item #: 4193286
Deal Available: October
$34.26/case; $5.71/ unit
Item #: 4180349
Deal Available: November
6/ 108oz
$29.40/case; $4.90/ unit
Item #: 4198600
Deal Available: November
Item #: 4186154
Deal Available: Oct - Dec
Gamesa Wafers
La Preferida Hominy
Mexican Style
La Preferida white Hominy
Juanitas white Hominy
SuperDeal$ Telemarketing Retail Sign Up
Overview
Exclusive promotional program for eligible UNFI conventional retailers, where UNFI is the primary supplier. Weekly deals on shippers, pallets, and seasonal pre-bookings. Products are offered at an average discount of 10% (or more) below their normal cost.
Retailers signed up for SuperDeal$ will have access to the program specific CMAP type (NCST). These deals are not offered in any other program.
Reach out to your UNFI Account Manager if you have questions or would like to sign-up to receive weekly calls with the latest exclusive offers! Free to enroll.
SuperDeal$ Telemarketing Sign-up Form
UNFI Media Network Upcoming Campaigns
UNFI Media Network (UMN)
Increase Sales Through UNFI Media Network
The UNFI Media Network (UMN) provides innovative ways to connect UNFI Suppliers to consumers through onsite (in-store) and offsite digital advertising. These efforts amplify sales and personalize your customer's shopping experience. UMN offers an integrated and cost-effective solution, marketing personalized digital advertisements to millions of shoppers.
Who can Participate?
• Any UNFI-supplied retailer can join UNFI Media Network (UMN), powered by Swiftly Technology.
• In doing so, you will gain access to digital solutions that will increase your sales & market share, receive revenue from all negotiated advertising campaigns on your behalf.
Retailer Benefits
• Gain digital solutions such as - app, website, loyalty, etc. or, integrate with our partner Swiftly if you already have these tools in place.
• Access to CPG-funded advertising to drive new customers to your store & revenue back in your pocket.
How Do I Set Up an Informational Session?
• Reach out to your UNFI Sales team or Marketing Account Manager to schedule an appointment.
Upcoming Digital Campaigns
Note: Digital campaigns apply to retailers who are part of the past UDAN digital tactics or are on the new UNFI Media Network (UMN). To learn more about these programs, please
New Items
Latest NEW & NOW
Checkout the latest new products and emerging brands!
Click the link below to access the full New & Now product catalog.
October 2024 New & Now
Why Dot’s?
Buttery, crunchy, and shamelessly seasoned in every groove and twist – these pretzels are seriously craveable!
• Dot’s Pretzels has the #2 share in the pretzel category
• Dot’s Pretzels are +80% incremental to the category
First Ship Available: 9/21/2024 Dates: 9/21-10/26
Essential Everyday Frozen Appetizers Now Available!
Expansive selection of new Frozen Appetizers. Contact your UNFI Account Manager for additional details. Learn more about:
Why EE?
Convenient and easy-to-prep frozen appetizers that are packed with flavor and value-priced.
• Private Brand Frozen Snacks are growing households and occasions
• Easy prep with air fryer instructions included on pack for Egg Rolls, Crab Rangoon, and Pizza Snacks
Item Details Timing
First Ship Available: Now Available
Essential Everyday Cheese Cracker Cuts Now Available!
Why EE?
Quality real cheese sliced perfectly for snacking that complement your favorite cracker. These cuts make a wonderful addition to charcuterie boards for the holiday season.
• Essential Everyday is the #1 brand for cheese in the UNFI TA
• Cheese in the natural snacking segment for private label has increased +11% vs YA
4130310535 Sharp Cheddar Cracker Cuts 12/7 oz 7513015 4130310536 Colby Jack Cracker Cuts 12/7 oz 7513016 4130310537 Pepper Jack Cracker Cuts 12/7 oz
Woodstock Banana Water Now Available!
First-to-market, USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, gluten free, banana water beverage with more electrolytes than the leading sports drink with only 80 calories!
• Made with 100% fruit
• 765mg of electrolytes from magnesium & potassium
• Excellent source of vitamin B6, vitamin A, magnesium & manganese
• Good source of Vitamin C Item Details
Conventional Produce Ordering Information for Hopkins DC (pricing and fees may vary):
Natural DC Ordering Information:
First Ship Available: Now Available Timing Now available. Contact your UNFI Account Manager for additional details. Learn more about:
New Candy Innovation
SHAQ-A-LICIOUS
First Ship: 09/23/24
Gummies
Shaquille O’Neal is launching a candy brand and is partnering with Hershey making his Sweets debut with SHAQ-A-LICIOUS XL Gummies!
• SHAQ-A-LICIOUS XL features 11.8oz SUP (Stand Up Pouch) extra-large gummies in Original and Sour flavors
• Original Fruits: UPC 0-10700-53005 | Code 3202066
• Sour Fruits: UPC 0-10700-53006 | Code 3202067
• SHAQ-A-LICIOUS XL features 6.2oz Peg Beg extra-large gummies in the Original flavor
• Original Fruits: UPC 0-10700-70365 | Code 3202068
• Both the SUP and the Peg Bag are going into the Central Region Wholesale POGS in September.
If you have questions, please contact your UNFI Account Manager.
Pringles Mingles!
Item Details
Pringles is launching their biggest, most exciting innovation to date! Pringles Mingles is a one Bite Snack in the shape of Mr. P’s Bow Tie with a light, airy, and crispy taste!
First
Available: 10/7/2024
Crispy & bold quesadillas from the microwave in minutes!
• Custom susceptor technology delivers optimal crispy quesadilla texture
• Winning product with a 74% “top2 box” purchase intent
First Ship Available: Now Available
Dates: 9/21/24 -10/11/24
New Stouffers Supreme mac and cheese, Grocery dry boxed dinners
Why Stouffer’s Supreme? Item Details
Now available as an everyday item. Contact your UNFI Account Manager for additional details.
Stouffers Supreme Shells & Cheese is a bold take on classic comfort. Supremely creamy, supremely cheesy and ready in 10 minutes!
Timing
First Ship Available: Now Available
Seasonal Items
Spring Refrigerated Dough Limited Time Offers
Great assortment of Seasonal Refrigerated Dough items!
• Shipping late winter/early spring
• Contact your UNFI Account Manager for additional details
• Order Date Extended - Orders Now Due*: Friday, October 18, 2024
*Must pre-book to receive product. Use Order Type: NCST
• Email Orders to: svcssuperdeal@unfi.com
• Product was also offered through SuperDeal$ Telemarketing
Pet Items for Valentine’s Day, Spring & Easter
Great assortment of Seasonal GM and Grocery items!
A complete list of all the great new items can be found in the Q1 Pet Catalog
• Ship Window: 1/1/25 – 3/31/25
• Orders Due: 10/25/24
up Bunnies
Vinyl Squeaker Pet Toy 3pc
Jingle Bell Cat Toys
Water Bottle Animals CS
Pet Catalog
Dress
Look Who’s Crunching
2pk
HealthfulsTM Hip & Joint
Support Chicken Treats
John Deere® FD
Nunn-Better® Black Oil Sunflower Seed
Greenies Dog Dental Treats
Milk-Bone® Valentines FD
*New Vendor*
Charlee Bear® Bearnola Bites Power Wing Q1
Q1 Candy Display Program
Ship Window 01/01/25 – 03/31/25 | Orders due: 11/01/24
The Q1 Candy Display Program features 39 displays split between the January – March ship window
• Lindt Displays (if you didn’t order enough Valentine Candy)
• New Peanut Butter & Jelly M&M’s
• Freeze Dried Candy Displays (very popular right now!)
• New Nerd Gummies Limited Time Offer Flavors
• New Starburst Goodies Gummies (Vegan Free)
• Russell Stover Sugar Free items for January New Years Resolutions
• New FruTips Peelable Gummies
• ……. Plus MANY more!
• The majority of all 39 displays have quarter long deals, so you can pick Jan, Feb, March or all three!
• Candy SELLS in displays!! Be sure to review this event and order appropriately for your store!
If you have questions, please contact your UNFI Account Manager.
Q1 Candy Display Program
Key Seasonal Mercado Buy Items
Ship Window 10/01/24 – 12/35/24 | Orders due*: 11/15/24
• Key Seasonal items
o Hominy
o Knorr Chicken and Beef bouillon
o Maseca
o Sanissimo Tostadas and Takis Chips
o Pinalen 3pk.
o Gamesa Assortment
o Malta India
o Coffee (Nescafe and Café Listo)
o Sugar cone
o Snack Seaweed
o Jasmine Premium Rice
o Sriracha
o Ramen Noodles
o Pre-Selling Mucosan
*Please note: Pallet and shippers need orders place by October 30th to ensure availability.
If you have questions, please contact your UNFI Account Manager.
Seasonal Sales Insights
The Winter Holidays are Just Around the Corner!
Thanksgiving and Christmas are the highest selling weeks of the year!
• There are dozens of categories that have above average sales in November and December.
• Now is the time to start reviewing product orders to ensure you’re ready for this holiday season.
• Click on the reference resources to the right to view high indexing sales categories by week and key holiday item check lists.
Total Grocery, Frozen & Dairy Sales
High Indexing Categories by Week
Thanksgiving Holiday Item Checklist
Christmas Holiday Item Checklist
Top 25 Winter Holiday Spices & Extracts
Winter Holiday Spices & Extracts Guide
Source: NielsenIQ Retail Measurement. UNFI Central Region TA + RMxAOC, Green is 8 weeks of the Winter Holiday sales (11/4/23 – 11/23/23) and Blue is the remaining weeks in the year.
DID YOU KNOW?
On average, nearly 60% of a grocery retailers’ Sage sales will happen between November & December (primarily during the Thanksgiving sell week).
Retailers can expect to sell 30x more Sage the week before Thanksgiving than the average sales weeks between non-holiday months (Jan – Oct).
Sage: The Herb of Thanksgiving! Sage is often used on Turkey, in Mashed Potatoes, stuffing and other Thanksgiving dishes!
Top 25 Winter Holiday Spices & Extracts Guide
Guide Explanation
The Spice & Extract Index by Week chart identifies which spices will experience a large sales spike during key holiday weeks. The index is an average increase of sales for the holiday weeks compared to the rest of the year (Jan – Oct).
Example:
Stores can expect to sell an average of 30 times more Sage the week of 11/23/24 than the average week the rest of the nonholiday weeks (Jan – Oct).
If a store sells one jar of Sage each non-holiday week, , then a store can expect to sell 30 jars of sage the week of 11/24/24.
Top 25 Winter Holiday Spices & Extracts Item Numbers
Winter Holiday Spices & Extracts Guide
#1 Vanilla
• MCC Pure Vanilla 1 oz | Item #: 264495
• MCC Pure Vanilla 2 oz | Item #: 4264516
#2 Cinnamon
• MCC Cinnamon 2.37 oz | Item #: 4252813
#3 Onion Powder
• MCC Onion Powder 2.62 oz | Item #: 4253122
#4 Paprika
• MCC Paprika 2.12 oz | Item #: 4252726
#5 Chili Powder
• MCC Chili Seasoning | Item #: 3567022
• MCC Chili Mild Seasoning | Item #: 3567025
#6 Nutmeg
• MCC Nutmeg | Item #: 4251397
#7 Sage
• MCC Sage, Ground | Item #: 4250821
• MCC Sage, Rubbed | Item #: 4250704
#8 Poultry
• MCC Poultry Seasoning | Item #: 4250959
#9 Clove
• MCC Cloves, Ground | Item #: 4251160
• MCC Cloves, Whole | Item #: 4250872
#10 Ginger
• MCC Ginger | Item #4248042
#11 Thyme
• MCC Whole Thyme Leaves | Item #: 4247941
• MCC Thyme Ground | Item #: 4250977 #12 Cumin
• MCC Ground Cumin | Item #: 4247887
#13 Bay Leaf
• MCC Bay Leaves | Item #: 4250362
#14 Almond Extract
• MCC Pure almond Extract | Item #: 4248043
#15 Pumpkin
• MCC Pumpkin Pie Spice | Item #: 4251430
#16 Rosemary
• MCC Whl Rosemary Leave | Item #: 4247944
#17 Cream of Tartar
• MCC Cream of Tartar | Item #: 4251853
#18 Mustard
• MCC Ground Mustard | Item #: 4252213
#19 Peppermint Extract
• MCC Peppermint Extract | Item #: 4265712
#20 Allspice
• MCC Allspice Grd | Item #: 4251175
#21 Parsley
• MCC Parsley Flakes 0.25 oz | Item #: 4250449
#22 Cardamom
• MCC Cardamom Whl Pod | Item #: 4249812
#23 Lemon Extract
• MCC Lemon Extract | Item #: 4265799
#24 White Pepper
• MCC White Pepper GR | Item # 4251310
#25 Onion Granulated
• MCC Onion Salt | Item #: 4254001
Soup Season is Here!
• Nearly 70% of soup sales occur between mid-September and March (colder months).1
• Almost everyone loves soup!
• Nearly 95% of people say they love or like soup. When taking a closer look at self-proclaimed soup lovers, Millennials (64%) were the clear winners, outpacing Gen-Xers (62%) and Baby Boomers (51%).2
• Lean more about consumer meal solutions and how soup plays a role, click here: Meal Solutions - Soup
DID YOU KNOW?
The top selling soup week is the 2nd week in January. Consumers are looking for comfort from the warm soup during the cold month of January, while also choosing a healthier meal option as they focus on resetting their health journey in January.
Key Merchandising Reminders
Plan for Key Sales Drivers | November
Thanksgiving
Callouts
Thanksgiving is a National holiday in the US and Canada to celebrate the harvest and blessings of the past year
In 2024, Thanksgiving will be observed on November 28th
Americans buy 365 million pounds of turkey the week of Thanksgiving, usually whole Turkeys
About 250 million pounds of potatoes are purchased for Thanksgiving
More than 50 million pounds of sweet potatoes are typically purchased for the holiday
Heavy Hitters
Review and Adjust
Turkey and prep ingredients
Oil (for frying), butter, broth (for basting or brining)
Cranberry Juice, Sparkling Cider
Traditional side dishes-boxed stuffing, boxed potatoes, gravy/gravy mixes, cranberry sauce, yams/sweet potatoes, green beans, cream of mushroom soup, French fried onions, corn, bread and rolls, macaroni and cheese, frozen pie crusts, frozen pie
Snack boards-meats, cheeses, crackers, olives, pickles, nuts, fruits, vegetables
Snacks like Chex Mix
Dessert-canned pumpkin, refrigerated/frozen pie crusts/dough, whipped cream, ice cream, pecans, baking spices like cinnamon, extracts, food coloring
Extra Effort
Basket Builders
Non-edible items
Paper plates, napkins, plastic silverware, Ziploc bags, disposable pans, aluminum foil, turkey bags
Ingredients used for Thanksgiving leftovers
Wild rice (for wild rice soup), egg noodles, fresh vegetables, pie crusts
Sandwich fixings, breads, mayonnaise, specialty mustard, lettuce, etc.
Plan For Key Sales Drivers | December
93% of Americans bake cookies during the holidays
63% of households have a traditional dessert they bake each year
One-stop shopping, finding the best deals, and shopping in-stores are the activities shoppers are most likely to increase during the holiday season
Holiday dinners
Turkey, ham, beef roast/prime rib, butter, pineapple, potatoes, sour cream, gravy, stuffing, bread/rolls, cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes/yams, canned vegetables, pie, whipped cream, Jell-o
Dessert/cookie/fudge ingredients, sugar, flour, almond, bark, pretzels
Candy makes up the top indexing items for December grocery sales
Snack boards-meats, cheeses, crackers, olives, pickles, nuts, fruits, vegetables
Hot appetizers
Mixers
Snacks: Chex mix, cheeses
Effort Basket Builders
Salts, spices, extracts, food coloring
Condiments, chili sauce, cocktail sauce, horseradish sauce, specialty mustards, Au Jus sauce
Premium plates, cups, knives
Charcuterie board fixings
Meats, cheese, pickles, olives, dried fruit, crackers, honey, jams
Plan For Key Sales Drivers | January
New Year's
Callouts
Happy 2025! This year, New Year's Eve (December 31st) falls on a Tuesday and New Year's Day (January 1st) falls on a Wednesday
Many people celebrate with parties and stay up until midnight to ring in the new year
There are many special food traditions from around the world that people participate in to help celebrate
Celebrate healthy eating
Review and Adjust
Easy appetizers/meals-chips, dip, crackers, cheese, Rotel tomatoes, Velveeta, frozen appetizers, frozen pizza, pizza dough
Pasta sauces, pasta, canned meats
Healthy eating: entrees, fruit, yogurt, granola, frozen smoothies
Frozen vegetables
Beverages-sparkling juice, soda, mixers, orange juice, cranberry juice
Tabletop items:
Paper plates, napkins, paper towels, plastic cups, plastic utensils
Oyster crackers
Smokies, BBQ Sauce, chili sauce
Tortilla chips and salsa
Product Supply Updates
Latest Supply Update
Egglands Best Specialty Eggs
Herbruck's Poultry Ranch, who supply's Eggland's Best eggs to DCs 18, 43, & 61 was hit with Avian Flu late April and was sourcing enough eggs to fill our orders while they recovered, but now the secondary supplier is cutting orders causing out of stocks. We are working with the vendor to secure more inventory, as I was told this was a temporary allocation. MOQ's of 2 cases have been placed where needed on Eggland's shell eggs in the DC's affected. 7602362, 7602375, 7602380, 7602385, 7604460
Wild
Harvest Organic Chicken Bone Broth
Item 4460108 Due to voluntary recall this item will be out of stock for the foreseeable future.
National Brand Equivalent is Pacific Bone Broth Chicken Organic 4466630
Viva Signature Cloth
Due to supply constraints Viva Signature Cloth items 4002792, 4002798, 4002771, and 4002794 fill rates are impacted. Estimated recovery has been delayed to end of 2024.
Cool
Whip Fat Free 8oz
The Fat Free Cool Whip variety will remain out of stock from the supplier. The recovery time is still TBD. UNFI code 7010455.
Klondike Bars/Sandwich
There is a packaging supply delay for Klondike Bars and Sandwich items. Unilever will only produce the Top 4 flavors which represent about 70% of Total Sales. There is not an ETA on when production will be running again on the additional varieties so we will discontinue these items until further notice.
Dannon
Due to a production challenge at one of Dannon's manufacturing facilities, this will lead to reduced fill rates through November. While we are experiencing challenges on some of our Greek multi-pack SKUs, we wanted to reassure you that our service will continue to be consistent on Activia, DanActive, Danimals, Danonino, Silk, So Delicious and YoCrunch brands.
Key October Offers & Action Items
Don’t Miss Offers
Place orders for Kraft Heat-up Promotions
October and November Ad Items Due: 9/27/24
December Ad Items due: 11/1/24
Place orders for November & December Big Buys
Place order for Q1 Candy Displays
Orders due: 11/1/24
Place orders for Spring & Easter Refrigerated Dough LTOs
Orders Due: 10/18/24
Place orders for Q1 Valentine’s, Spring & Easter Pet Items
Orders Due: 10/25/24
Place orders for Dot’s Pretzels Introductory Offer
Deal Ends: 10/26/24
Additional Offers & Action Items
Review and place orders for Grande & Seasonal Mercado Buys
Grande Buy - Orders Due: 10/25/24
Seasonal Mercado Buy - Orders Due: 11/15/24
Review the Winter Holiday Spice & Extracts Guide and determine if you have enough of the top 25 products on order.
Suggested Due Date: 10/31/2024
December $ave Coupon Book
Sign-ups Due: 10/11/24
If you’re not already enrolled, sign-up for SuperDeal$ Telemarketing to receive weekly exclusive offers. Enrolment is free.
Suggested Due Date: 10/31/2024
Thank You
If you have questions or need anything, please reach out to your UNFI Account Manager.
Happy fall selling season.
