UNFI Integration Setup Guide

This guide explains how to connect your UNFI account to Helm, enabling automated order import, real-time inventory synchronisation, centralised fulfilment, and streamlined supplier management so you can manage UNFI operations alongside your other sales channels from a single interface.

Last updated 4 months ago

What is UNFI

UNFI (United Natural Foods, Inc.) is a leading distributor of natural, organic, and specialty foods, serving grocery retailers, independent stores, and foodservice providers across North America. Suppliers can provide packaged foods, beverages, supplements, and wellness products through UNFI’s distribution network. Integrating UNFI with Helm allows suppliers to automate order handling, synchronise inventory, and streamline fulfilment efficiently.

PROS ✅

CONS ❌

Access to a broad network of grocery retailers, specialty stores, and foodservice customers.

Supplier onboarding requires approval and may include product verification and compliance checks.

Centralised management of orders, stock levels, and fulfilment in Helm.

Product data must meet UNFI standards, including accurate SKUs, nutrition, and ingredient information.

Supports detailed product attributes, SKUs, and packaging information for B2B buyers.

Pricing, shipping rules, and invoicing procedures vary by category and supplier account.

Step-by-Step Setup

Step 1 — Start the UNFI integration in Helm

  1. Log in to your Helm account.

  2. Navigate to Settings → Sales Channels.

  3. Click Add New Channel, search for UNFI, and select Add / Install.

Note: You must have an approved supplier account with UNFI before live orders can be processed.

Step 2: Obtain and Enter Your Credentials

UNFI will provide the credentials required for integration. In Helm, fill out the following fields with the details provided:

  • Active – Toggle Is Active to enable the channel.

  • Name – Assign a clear label (e.g. UNFI Natural Foods Supplier).

  • API URL / Endpoint – Enter the API or endpoint URL provided by UNFI.

  • API Key / Token – Paste the API key, access token, or connection credentials from your UNFI supplier account.

  • Selected Channel / Market – If multiple regions or services are supported, choose the appropriate one.

Ensure credentials are copied exactly as provided to avoid connection issues.

Optional configuration tabs include:

Adjust these parameters in accordance with your business protocols.

  • Credentials – Choose any additional configuration settings to tailor the integration to your operational requirements.

  • Settings – Select the warehouse from which goods will be despatched for this integration and select any additional settings you may require.

  • Stock Control – Enable Auto Sync Stock to maintain inventory parity.

  • Brand – Configure your Company Information for this sales channel; by default, details from General Settings will be used.

  • Commercial Invoice – Set up Commercial Invoice Information specific to this channel, or retain those from General Settings.

  • Despatch Emails – Decide whether Helm should transmit order despatch emails with carrier tracking information; configure as required.

  • Feedback Emails – Elect to send order feedback emails; configure accordingly.

🔐 Credentials should correspond with those used to access your UNFI supplier dashboard.

Step 3: Save and Activate

Click Submit (or Save) to store your credentials.

Helm will attempt to connect to UNFI. On success, you’ll see a confirmation and the channel will be active. Orders, inventory updates, and product information will begin synchronising automatically.

If errors occur:

  • Verify your UNFI supplier account is fully approved.

  • Confirm the API key or credentials are valid.

  • Ensure product specifications match UNFI’s required format.

Completion

Once connected, your UNFI channel will be fully manageable from Helm: orders will import automatically, stock will remain up to date, invoices and despatch updates will synchronise, and your operations will stay efficient and compliant across all natural and specialty food buyers.