Celebrating UNFI’s 2025 Central & West Regions Customer Circle of Excellence Winners
July 16, 2025 5 minute read
This week, UNFI continued its Customer Circle of Excellence tradition at our Las Vegas Selling Show, recognizing 11 outstanding retailers from the Central and West Regions for their achievements in performance, innovation, and community impact.
These annual awards honor retail partners across the U.S. who are raising the bar in the grocery industry, delivering on what today’s consumers value most: quality, service, sustainability, and connection.
Congratulations to this year’s recipients:
Central Region Winners
Marohn’s - Local Independent Performance
This family-run Minnesota grocer, with 58 years of community service, continues to grow through strong merchandising and a deep commitment to local connection.
Plum Market - Local Independent Impact
With sustainability at its core, Plum Market supports environmental efforts by driving green initiatives across its stores and community programs, donating more than $40,000 annually.
Dave’s / Lucky’s Market - Regional Chain Performance
A fifth-generation Ohio grocer delivering tailored offerings across 16 stores and achieving double-digit growth thanks to operational excellence and deep neighborhood ties.
Dierbergs - Regional Chain Impact
An avid supporter of local organizations, Dierbergs contributes more than $3 million annually to uplift the St. Louis community and quickly mobilized over $80,000 in aid when recent tornadoes struck.
West Region Winners
Market of Choice - Local Independent Performance
An Oregon staple since 1979, Market of Choice has grown to 12 stores known for high-quality, fresh, local, and natural foods, delivered in beautifully designed spaces that enhance the shopping experience.
Jimbo’s - Local Independent Impact
This San Diego grocer is redefining sustainability, donating 254,000 meals through food rescue and replacing plastic with compostable alternatives across departments.
Good Food Holdings - Regional Chain Performance
Operating five distinct banners and 56 stores, this group is seeing double-digit growth across every brand, backed by culinary innovation and customer loyalty.
Raley’s - Regional Chain Impact
With a 40-year-old Food for Families program and partnerships with nearly 800 nonprofits, Raley’s is driving food access and sustainability efforts across California. In 2024 alone, they raised $5.5 million for 12 Feeding America food banks.
National Award Winner
National Co+op Grocers (NCG) – National Chain Impact
With 240 stores across 39 states, NCG supports an equitable food system, donates $9 million annually to local causes, and leads with purpose.
Customers of the Year
Harmons Neighborhood Grocer – Local Independent Customer of the Year
From a Utah fruit stand that started in 1932 to 20 high-performing stores today, Harmons continues to lead through innovation, community support, and thoughtful expansion.
Vallarta Supermarkets – Regional Chain Customer of the Year
Rooted in family and cultural heritage, Vallarta has grown to 55 stores and is investing in technology and expansion while staying true to its values.
In case you missed it, we recognized our 2025 East Region winners at our February Spring and Summer Selling Show in Orlando. Check out the honorees here.