Company Profiles

United Natural Foods

United States

United Natural Foods (UNFI) is the largest wholesale distributor of natural and organic foods in the U.S. The company works to protect and preserve biodiversity and promote sustainable agriculture practices. UNFI is a sponsor of The Campaign to Label Genetically Engineered Foods and works closely with conventional farmers who are transitioning to sustainable practices with the goal of achieving organic certification. UNFI's business requires significant consumption of fossil fuels. In response, the company is building LEED certified regional distribution hubs that will lessen the distance from the distribution center to the customer, which reduces transportation costs and associated carbon dioxide emissions. The company is also researching alternative fuel sources and is a partner in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's SmartWay transportation program. Despite these actions, Portfolio 21 would like to see the company report on the global warming impacts of its business.

Biotechnology Involvement

As a wholesaler and distributor of natural foods, United Natural Foods offers certified organic and transitional food products. The company supports labeling of GMO foods and is a sponsor of The Campaign to Label Genetically Engineered Foods. Visit our Biotechnology Policy for more on this issue.

To the best of our knowledge the above information is accurate and was obtained from sources we believe to be reliable. Neither the information presented above nor any opinion expressed shall be construed as an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy the security. The views expressed are those of portfolio management as of 9/30/09 and may not reflect current opinions or subsequent events.