Modern Merchandising Meets Island Innovation: AML Foods’ Growth

October 14, 2025           3 minute read

As retailers head into one of the busiest times of year, the right merchandising tools and supply chain support can set the stage for growth during the holiday season and beyond. 

AML Foods’ is a prime example; its mission is bold and simple: to be the most trusted retailer in the Bahamas. Just four years ago, the retailer embarked on a transformative journey to modernize its operations, optimize its supply chain, and position itself for sustainable growth. Today, the independent grocer has grown across multiple formats and expanded from six to ten stores. AML Foods is setting the pace for grocery innovation in the Caribbean, and it is no surprise they were recognized as a 2025 UNFI Customer Circle of Excellence winner for their rapid growth and strong market leadership.  

Behind their success is a deeply integrated partnership with UNFI, powered by UNFI Professional Services offerings, which have enabled AML Foods to scale with confidence, offer unmatched assortment, and enhance the shopper experience with leading-edge tools. 

Planograms: Creating a Scalable Foundation 

“We started this journey about four years ago where we wanted to change our supply chain and the way we go to market,” shared Ben Brown, Vice President of Purchasing at AML Foods. “We needed a partner that could provide us a relevant assortment and help design planograms from scratch.” 

UNFI’s Shelf Services team partnered closely with AML Foods to create custom planograms for various store formats. This structure not only enabled AML to manage distinct product assortments across formats but also laid the foundation for efficient scaling. 

“The biggest success we’ve seen over the last four years is that we started with six stores and now we have ten,” said Brown. “That’s because we have a scalable model with UNFI.” 

Scan Advantage and Data Analytics: Smart, Adaptive Retailing 

Operating in a remote island environment presents unique challenges, from supply chain complexity to staying current with shopper trends. For AML Foods, data has become a competitive advantage. By using UNFI’s Scan Advantage program and tapping into UNFI’s category expertise, the grocer is able to adapt quickly and lead with confidence. 

“We update and maintain planograms weekly. The data and insights we get back from Scan Advantage allows us to customize for specific markets and trends,” said Brown. “This has helped us stay on top of what’s new, especially as we serve a diverse mix of local shoppers and international visitors.” 

Without a dedicated in-house analytics team, AML relies on UNFI to provide digestible insights that support real-time decisions. This partnership enables them to adjust shelf space dynamically, expand categories like cookies and crackers where demand is rising, and fine-tune their assortment strategy. Moving from guesswork to precision has helped AML deliver a more relevant shopping experience while improving operational efficiency. 

Assortment and Shelf Innovation: Raising the Bar 

With more than 12,000 to 17,000 SKUs depending on store format, AML Foods offers a level of variety rarely seen in Caribbean markets. Their in-stock rates remain consistently high, supported by reliable weekly supply chain cycles from UNFI. Add in Electronic Shelf Labels that enable real-time pricing updates, and the result is a shopping experience that feels modern, efficient, and customer-focused. Together, these capabilities help AML lead in their market while delivering the kind of experience that keeps shoppers coming back. 

“When customers come in expecting limited options and walk out with a full basket, that tells us we’re doing something right.”, said Brown.