Supermarket Perimeter - May 2020 - 59

COMING TOGETHER
United Fresh has partnered with the Arlington,
Va.-based National Grocers Association
(NGA), the trade association representing
the independent supermarket industry, to
connect produce distributors to retailers in
the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.

companies can allow more staff to benefit from learning and interacting
with the broader industry.
Although we're not together to celebrate the Retail Produce Managers
in person, their corporate offices will be able to celebrate with them
virtually across the country - their peers and families will be able to
see them recognized in real time! Free registration also means United
Fresh can continue to deliver value without barriers at a time when the
industry needs camaraderie, community, and support through ongoing
businesses opportunities now more than ever.
SP: What qualities do United Fresh and its members have that will
help you get through this?
MC: If you've ever talked to a farmer, you know resilience and
persistence are in their blood. That's true across the supply chain. There
are businesses who have lost 90% of their revenue due to this crisis.
In the face of despair, this industry continues to first acknowledge the
silver linings and that is what will carry us through. Being United Makes
All the Difference is not just our motto, it's our mantra and it's ringing
true more today than ever before.
SP: Will the outbreak permanently change the fresh produce industry
and the food industry in general? How?
MC: The coronavirus pandemic of 2020 will forever change the
world. The fresh produce industry will never be what it was, but we
might just be better. The challenges endured have already resulted in
new and innovative partnerships, distribution channels and business
models. Whether these solutions are sustainable or if they transition
into different solutions, only time will tell.
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"The entire food industry has come together
incredibly during the outbreak, ensuring that
Americans across the country have access to
affordable and nutritious food," said Greg Ferrara,
NGA's president and CEO. "Our collaboration
with United Fresh will improve upon what has
already been accomplished, keeping independent
grocers stocked with fresh produce."
NGA and United Fresh are connecting produce
distributors who can deliver fresh produce and
other items with independent supermarkets
on a store-door basis. The organizations are
working with companies to assess their retail
needs, as well as foodservice distribution
communities and provide an opportunity for
companies to network on business solutions.
"The fresh produce industry is committed
to continuing to feed America. Foodservice
distributors and processors have strong capabilities
to deliver product, transportation and supply
chain solutions in these unprecedented times,"
said Tom Stenzel, United Fresh's president and
CEO. "We're pleased to partner with NGA,
working in tandem to get more fresh, healthy
produce items in the hands of consumers."

MAY 2020 - 59

5/5/2020 4:11:06 PM
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Supermarket Perimeter - May 2020

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