From 2024 DSN Live at NACDS: 4 Minutes with UNFI's Andre Persaud · · Drug Store News
“Our franchise partners are critically important to the success of this business.”
On , Andre Persaud, President & Chief Executive Officer of Retail at UNITED NATURAL FOODS INC, spoke about business strategy during 2024 DSN Live at NACDS: 4 Minutes with UNFI's Andre Persaud on Drug Store News.
Andre Persaud, president and chief executive officer for retail at UNFI (Cub Foods and Shoppers Food Warehouse), discussed the company's strategy in a September 2024 interview at the NACDS annual meeting. Persaud described Cub Foods as a 55-year-old banner with 80 stores in Minnesota, a combination of corporate and franchise locations, and stated that the chain was the most visited grocer in the state the prior year. He emphasized that franchise partners are "critically important" to the business and that the company is focused on demonstrating value to customers every day. Persaud outlined four strategic pillars for the company: value, in-store experience, digital engagement, and managing the day-to-day cost structure. He noted that 40% of shoppers approach grocery shopping from a digital-first perspective and said Cub is rethinking both its physical and digital experiences to engage younger customers, including offering personalized coupons based on purchasing behavior. While acknowledging that Cub previously operated in multiple states, Persaud said the current aspiration is to be the "dominant partner" for consumers in Minnesota before considering expansion beyond the state.