Oct 1, 2006 12:00 PM

Whole Foods Market Distribution Inc, a wholly owned subsidiary of Whole Foods Market Inc, and United Natural Foods Inc have entered into a new seven-year primary distribution agreement.

This agreement is effective from Sept 26, 2006, through Sept 29, 2013. Under its terms, UNFI will continue to serve as primary wholesale natural grocery distributor to Whole Foods Market in the United States regions where it already serves as primary distributor. The agreement replaces a three-year primary distribution agreement that was not scheduled to expire until Dec 31, 2007.

UNFI reported net sales of $2.43 billion for fiscal 2006, ended July 29, 2006. Whole Foods accounted for about 26% of UNFI sales in fiscal 2006.