United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI)

DAYVILLE, Conn. -- United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI) here said yesterday that Rick Puckett has resigned as e.v.p., c.f.o., and treasurer, effective Jan. 27, to become e.v.p. and c.f.o. at a publicly traded food and beverage company that doesn't compete with UNFI.

DAYVILLE, Conn. -- As part of its strategic initiative to enhance management depth and capitalize on growth opportunities, United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI), based here, said yesterday that v.p. of distribution Michael D. Beaudry had been appointed president of the eastern region, effective immediately. In his new role Beaudry reports directly to United Natural Foods e.v.p. and c.o.o. Richard Antonelli, and guides day-to-day operations and customer support for the company's eastern region.

DAYVILLE, Conn. -- Shares of United Natural Foods Inc. climbed 6.9 percent in price Friday, after a Bank of America analyst upgraded the company from "buy" to "neutral" with a $32 price target.

PG reports on recent executive changes.

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Shrimp continued to lead seafood consumption, according to the "Top Ten" list of the most consumed fish and seafood in the United States for 2004, recently released by the National Fisheries Institute here.

DAYVILLE, Conn. -- Natural and organic food distributor United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI), based here, said yesterday that Steven H. Townsend had retired from the positions of president and c.e.o. to devote more time to his other investments and business interests, and that Michael S. Funk, a United Natural Foods director who served as president from 1996 to 1999 and president from 1999 until his retirement in 2002, had resumed both of those roles.

PITTSBURGH and BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- Giant Eagle and Sam's Club are among the diverse group of retailers participating in the first-ever Fair Trade Display Challenge being coordinated by TransFair USA to recognize Fair Trade Month, which begins tomorrow.

DAYVILLE, Conn. -- Albert's Organics, Inc., a subsidiary of natural foods and supplements distributor United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI) has completed the acquisition of Roots & Fruits Cooperative, a Minnesota-based organic wholesale distributor of fresh produce and other perishables.