United Natural Foods acquires Gourmet Guru

United Natural Foods (UNFI) has acquired all of the outstanding stock of Gourmet Guru for an undisclosed amount.

Comprising an all-cash transaction, the acquisition boosts UNFI’s strength in finding and cultivating emerging fresh and organic brands and further expands its presence in core urban markets.

Gourmet Guru posted $50m in net sales for the year ending 30 June.

The deal is expected to be neutral to UNFI’s fiscal earnings next year and modestly accretive to UNFI’s earnings in fiscal 2018.

UNFI president and CEO Steven Spinner said: “We look forward to working with Jeff Lichtenstein, CEO of Gourmet Guru, who will remain at the company in a leadership role.”

UNFI national vice-president of retail services Kirsten Hogan said: “Gourmet Guru brings diverse skills in merchandising and service, targeting cities and high traffic locations, which will enhance UNFI’s unique ability to deliver on the most innovative and local brands."

Gourmet Guru CEO Jeff Lichtenstein said: “UNFI recognises the importance of helping exciting and new producers of fresh and organic foods and Gourmet Guru is proud to become a part of UNFI.

"We look forward to helping UNFI bring exciting and differentiated products to market.”

Established in 1996, Gourmet Guru is a distributor and merchandiser of fresh and organic food focusing on new and emerging brands.