To Lead Efforts to Increase Support of Environmental and Sustainability
Practices DAYVILLE, Conn., March 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Recognizing its
commitment to the environment, United Natural Foods, Inc. (Nasdaq: UNFI) (the
"Company") announced today the promotion of Thomas A. Dziki to the newly
created position of Vice President of Sustainable Development. Mr. Dziki, age
45, will be responsible for uniting all of the Company's existing
sustainability practices as well as developing and implementing new programs.
In addition, Mr. Dziki will continue his responsibility of overseeing the
Company's national real estate and construction activities, incorporating
environmentally sustainable practices such as Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design ("LEED") building certification, indoor air quality
assurance, and zero waste programs.
"United Natural Foods is committed to enhancing our environmental
sustainability practices on a Company-wide level," said Michael Funk,
President and Chief Executive Officer. "Tom has a diverse operating background
in architecture, construction and conservation efforts, which makes him well
suited for this important, new role."
Mr. Dziki, who joined the Company in May of 2002, has served in numerous
positions of increasing responsibility within the Company, including Manager
of Special Projects, Vice President of Special Projects, President of the
Hershey Import Company, Inc. and President of Select Nutrition Distributors.
His most recent role, National Vice President of Real Estate and Construction,
will be incorporated into this new position.
Mr. Dziki holds degrees in Building Construction, Community and Regional
Planning, and is a licensed architect with over 20 years of professional
experience. He has long been involved with conservation efforts in his local
community. Mr. Dziki recently became a member of the United States Green
Building Council and is currently studying to become a LEED accredited
professional.
"Environmental conservation, social responsibility, and sustainability and
organic agriculture have always been an integral part of our organization's
culture," commented Mr. Dziki. "As a leader in natural and organic
distribution, we are committed to enhancing our efforts to explore alternative
energy sources, recycle materials, and preserve our environment. I'm looking
forward to implementing new programs and leading our organization to adopt
more sustainable business practices."
About United Natural Foods
United Natural Foods, Inc. carries and distributes more than 40,000
products to more than 18,000 customers nationwide. The Company serves a wide
variety of retail formats including conventional supermarket chains, natural
product superstores, independent retail operators and the food service
channel. United Natural Foods, Inc. was ranked by Forbes in 2005 as one of the
"Best Managed Companies in America," ranked by Fortune in 2006 as one of its
"Most Admired Companies," and ranked by Business Ethics as one of its "100
Best Corporate Citizens for 2006." For more information on United Natural
Foods, Inc., visit the Company's website at http://www.unfi.com.
"Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act
of 1995: Statements in this press release regarding the Company's business
that are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements" that involve
risks and uncertainties. For a discussion of such risks and uncertainties,
which could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the
forward-looking statements, including but not limited to general business
conditions, the impact of competition and our dependence on principal
customers, see "Risk Factors" in the Company's quarterly report on Form 10-Q
filed with the Commission on March 6, 2007, and its other filings under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Any forward-looking statements
are made pursuant to the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and,
as such, speak only as of the date made. The Company is not undertaking to
update any information in the foregoing reports until the effective date of
its future reports required by applicable laws. Any projections of future
results of operations should not be construed in any manner as a guarantee
that such results will in fact occur. These projections are subject to change
and could differ materially from final reported results. The Company may from
time to time update these publicly announced projections, but it is not
obligated to do so.
SOURCE United Natural Foods, Inc.
CONTACT: Mark Shamber, Chief Financial Officer, United Natural Foods,
1-860-779-2800, or Joseph Calabrese, General Information, Financial Relations
Board, +1-212-827-3772
Web site: http://www.unfi.com
(UNFI)