PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release ASSOCIATED FOOD STORES ENTERS INTO DISTRIBUTION PARTNERSHIP WITH UNITED NATURAL FOODS, INC. New York, NY – August 5, 2013 – Associated Foods Holdings, LLC (“Associated Food Stores” or “Associated”) the largest chain of independently-operated supermarkets in the New York metropolitan area, announced today that Associated and United Natural Foods, Inc. (“UNFI”) have entered into a distribution partnership. Under the terms of the arrangement, UNFI will serve as the primary wholesale natural grocery distributor to Associated. Harry Laufer, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Associated commented, “We are excited to be offering new and additional products to our store owners. Our partnership with UNFI will allow Associated to continue to be more competitive and grow our 250-store base.” Steven Spinner, United Natural Foods' President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "We are pleased to start a new relationship with Associated Supermarkets, a top retailer in the New York market. Given the evolving nature of the New York City market, we understand the demand for natural and organic products and are excited to be a part of that growth." About Associated Foods Holdings Established more than 50 years ago, Associated is a specialty distributor of grocery products to branded independent retail supermarkets in the New York metropolitan area, one of the largest retail food markets in the United States. Associated provides grocery distribution, financing, marketing and promotional services to approximately 250 independently owned and operated grocery stores, which typically carry the “Associated” or “Compare” trade name. About United Natural Foods United Natural Foods, Inc. carries and distributes more than 65,000 products to more than 27,000 customer locations throughout the United States and Canada. The Company serves a wide variety of retail formats including conventional supermarket chains, natural product superstores, independent retail operators and the food service channel. United Natural Foods, Inc. was ranked by Fortune in 2006 – 2010 and 2012 as one of its "Most Admired Companies," winner of the Supermarket News 2008 Sustainability Excellence Award, recognized by the Nutrition Business Journal for its 2009 Environment and Sustainability Award and chosen by Food Logistics Magazine as one of its 2012 Top 20 Green Providers. ### ### #### ### CONTACT: Steven Flyer (212) 231-8680 [email protected] .