United Natural Foods, Inc. reported fourth-quarter fiscal 2026 results Tuesday showing net sales of $7.6 billion, representing a year-over-year decline of just under 1%. The company’s natural segment posted sales growth exceeding 6% during the quarter, while its conventional segment experienced a decline of over 8%. Net income for the quarter reached $35 million compared with a loss in the same period the previous year, and adjusted EBITDA increased by nearly half.
For the full fiscal 2026 year ended August 1, UNFI generated total net sales of $31.2 billion, down 2% from the prior year. Natural segment sales grew 7% during the year, while conventional segment sales dropped more than 11%. The company’s retail operations saw sales decline by just under 8% in both fiscal 2026 and the fourth quarter.
CEO Sandy Douglas indicated the company remains positioned to achieve sales growth in 2027. He attributed recent performance to the rising prominence of grocery retailers with differentiated value propositions, including natural and organic chains as well as smaller independents. Douglas noted that UNFI added more than 130 private label products during the past year and refreshed one seafood brand, reflecting retailer strategies to strengthen competitive positioning against mass and discount operators.
Douglas emphasized that while conventional products remain important components of customer assortments, retailers are increasingly focusing on healthier and more differentiated product offerings. He stated the company views automation and artificial intelligence technologies as significant opportunities for improvement, particularly in helping retailers maintain high in-stock levels. Douglas also highlighted that UNFI’s own retail operations, which include Cub Foods and Shoppers banners, provide insights that inform its broader distributor business strategy and help the company better understand challenges facing other grocers.
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