PROVIDENCE, R.I. – United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI) has doubled the size of its American Artisan Cheese and Specialty Program.

Launched in 2020 to give customers access to unique craft cheeses sourced from all over the nation, the program has been met with such enthusiasm, and UNFI has expanded it to a second warehouse to serve customers in the Pacific Northwest, according to the wholesaler.

NFI customers utilizing the program can order from a premier group of highly curated producers from each region across the country. The options include such cheese makers as Jasper Hill Farm, Green Dirt Farms, Tulip Tree Creamery and Cowgirl Creamery.

Handled with exceptional attention, the majority of products are flown directly from each farm though a partnership with Southwest Airlines, personally picked up at the airport, and delivered to each retailer, ensuring they’re getting the freshest possible product.

After the expansion to the second warehouse, UNFI’s American Artisan Cheese program now serves more than 200 retailers across six states, doubling the program’s size since its launch in fall of 2020.

“Our team of certified cheese professionals took their passion for craft on the road across the country to discover some of the best cheeses from small, family run farms. Our American Artisan Cheese and Specialty Program gives UNFI customers a truly distinct category offering to make their cheese cases stand out,” said Rebekah Baker, director of cheese and specialty at UNFI. “We’re not only proud of the quality of producers in our program and the support we’re able to give to elevating local farms, but also by the unique way that we’re able to deliver on freshness.”