Company accepts National Customer of the Year
Award for 2023
LAKEWOOD, Colo., April 17,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Natural Grocers®, the
nation's largest family-operated natural and organic retailer,
accepted the Circle of Excellence award at the UNFI (United
Natural Foods, Inc.) Circle of Excellence ceremony on February 7, in San
Diego, CA. The Circle of Excellence honors businesses for
exceptional achievements in performance, community impact, and
strong partnership with UNFI in 2023. Winners are categorized by
region and business size.
The Customer of the Year Award recognizes
industry-leading results across Performance, Impact, &
partnership with UNFI.
NATIONAL CUSTOMER OF THE YEAR: WEST REGION
The
Customer of the Year Award recognizes industry-leading results
across Performance, Impact, and partnership with UNFI. The award
winners embody the highest standards of achievement in the eyes of
North America's premier grocery
wholesaler.
"Congratulations to Natural Grocers on this well-deserved
recognition," said Sandy Douglas,
CEO of UNFI. "We are grateful to be a part of your support team,
and we look forward to continuing to help drive your success
through the product assortment, quality, reliable execution and
increased efficiency our partnership strives to provide."
With 168 stores across 21 states, Natural Grocers received the
National Customer of the Year for the West, for exceptional sales
growth, a strong commitment to community and sustainability, and
making a positive impact in the industry.
Jesse Nesbitt, Senior Director of
Purchasing Systems for Natural Grocers stated, "We are honored
to have received this award from UNFI. It embodies our commitment
to our partners, our communities and the regenerative farming
practices that bring a more hopeful future for our planet.
Regenerative farming practices improve soil health, water quality,
biodiversity and ecosystem resilience. In 2023 Natural Grocers
became the first national grocery retailer to offer two
private-label Certified Regenerative and Certified Organic eggs. In
addition to Regenerative and Organic certifications, our eggs are
also American Humane Certified.
Through our rigorous product standards, we strive to
consistently provide our customers with the highest quality natural
and organic products at affordable prices. As we continuously
update these standards, UNFI has demonstrated that they are willing
to join us. The successful launch of our Regenerative private label
eggs is just one example. UNFI supported the delivery of these
products as promised. This enabled us to grow customer loyalty and
category sales. We are proud to accept this award from such a
dedicated partner."
- To learn more about UNFI's Circle of Excellence Awards, click
here.
- Visit www.naturalgrocers.com/our-standards to learn more about
Natural Grocers' rigorous product standards.
- Click here for a media kit.
- For media inquiries, please email
kmacarelli@naturalgrocers.com.
ABOUT NATURAL GROCERS BY VITAMIN COTTAGE
Founded in 1955, Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc.
(NYSE: NGVC) is an expanding specialty retailer of natural and
organic groceries, body care products, and dietary supplements. The
products sold by Natural Grocers must meet strict quality
guidelines and may not contain artificial colors, flavors,
preservatives or sweeteners, or partially hydrogenated or
hydrogenated oils. The Company sells only USDA-certified organic
produce and exclusively pasture-raised, non-confinement dairy
products, and free-range eggs. Natural Grocers' flexible
smaller-store format allows it to offer affordable prices in a
shopper-friendly, clean, and convenient retail environment. The
Company also provides extensive free science-based Nutrition
Education programs to help customers make informed health and
nutrition choices. Headquartered in the Union Square neighborhood
of Lakewood, CO, Natural Grocers has 168 stores in 21 states.
Visit www.naturalgrocers.com for more information and
store locations.
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 foodservice 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 more about how UNFI is delivering value for its
stakeholders, visit www.unfi.com.
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SOURCE Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc.