United Natural Foods Touts Strong Q2 Performance, Raises 2026 EBITDA Target

CFO Matteo Tarditi highlights 23% EBITDA growth, $50M FCF gain, and plans for network optimization and value-added services.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 4:03am

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A photorealistic studio still life featuring a stack of organic produce boxes, a clipboard with financial data, and a modern desk lamp on a clean, monochromatic background, symbolizing UNFI's focus on the health and wellness segment, operational efficiency, and its role as a leading food distributor.UNFI's strategic focus on a differentiated $90 billion market segment and operational improvements drive strong second-quarter performance.Manchester Today

United Natural Foods (NYSE:UNFI) CFO Matteo Tarditi outlined the company's disciplined strategy focused on serving a narrower, 'differentiated' portion of the U.S. food market while improving operational efficiency. Tarditi pointed to second-quarter performance as evidence of progress, highlighting 23% EBITDA growth, a $50 million increase in free cash flow, and plans to deliver an additional $140 million of free cash flow in the second half.

Why it matters

UNFI's focus on a $90 billion market segment aligned with health and wellness trends, as well as its investments in network optimization, value-added services, and productivity initiatives, signal the company's efforts to adapt to shifting consumer preferences and competitive dynamics in the food distribution industry.

The details

Tarditi reiterated UNFI's strategy built on two pillars: adding value to customers and suppliers, and building a more effective and efficient business model. He highlighted improvements in fill rates, on-time delivery, and the company's private brands business. UNFI is targeting $685 million of EBITDA for the fiscal year, with $355 million expected in the second half. The company is also stepping up capital expenditures, including an automated facility in Joliet, Illinois, expected to open this summer.

  • UNFI reported second-quarter results in March 2026.
  • The company expects to deliver an additional $140 million of free cash flow in the second half of fiscal 2026.
  • UNFI's automated facility in Joliet, Illinois, is expected to open in the summer of 2026.

The players

Matteo Tarditi

Chief Financial Officer of United Natural Foods.

Bill Kirk

Roth analyst who attended the conference alongside Tarditi.

United Natural Foods

A leading distributor of natural, organic and specialty foods in North America, headquartered in Providence, Rhode Island.

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What they’re saying

“We are advancing multiple initiatives at the same time rather than sequencing them, noting improvements in fill rates and on-time delivery occurring alongside product launches in our private brands business.”

— Matteo Tarditi, Chief Financial Officer

What’s next

UNFI plans to continue its network optimization efforts, with ongoing analysis of distribution center performance and implementation of changes depending on the facility. The company also aims to return to growth in 2027 and support its longer-term algorithm into 2028.

The takeaway

UNFI's focus on a narrower, differentiated segment of the U.S. food market, combined with its investments in operational efficiency, value-added services, and productivity initiatives, suggest the company is positioning itself to adapt to evolving consumer preferences and competitive dynamics in the industry.