UNFI Integration Guide
Integrate your UNFI account with Helm to automate order processing, synchronise inventory, and streamline fulfilment for natural, organic, and specialty food distribution
What is UNFI
UNFI (United Natural Foods, Inc.) is one of North America’s largest distributors of natural, organic, and specialty foods, serving retail stores, foodservice operators, and eCommerce sellers with a comprehensive product portfolio and supply chain solutions
Connecting UNFI to Helm enables efficient multi-channel order management, accurate stock synchronisation, and seamless fulfilment across various food categories
PROS ✅ | CONS ❌ |
Access to a broad range of natural and specialty food products | Requires a valid API URL and API Key issued by UNFI |
Real-time syncing of orders and stock levels | Product data may require compliance with food safety and labelling standards |
Supports complex order types and multi-warehouse fulfilment | Onboarding may include distributor approvals and integration setup |
Step-by-Step Setup
From your Helm dashboard:
Navigate to Settings > My Store
Click Add New Sales Channel
Select UNFI from the list of available integrations
Click Install
Enter the required details:
FIELD | DESCRIPTION |
Sales Channel Name | Enter a name such as UNFI US or UNFI Organic Food Distribution |
Sales Channel Logo | Upload the UNFI logo or your own branded icon |
API URL | Enter the full API endpoint provided by UNFI (e.g. |
API Key | Paste the API key issued through your UNFI vendor or integration portal |
Click Continue
Interaction Settings
Configure how Helm interacts with UNFI:
INTERACTION SETTINGS | DESCRIPTION |
Sync Inventory | Automatically import product listings and details from UNFI |
Sync Stock Levels | Synchronise stock quantities between Helm and UNFI |
Use Channel Names | Display product names from UNFI on Helm order screens |
Max Stock Levels | Set a cap on stock levels to control availability |
Stock Buffer | Reserve stock quantities to prevent overselling |
Auto Merge Orders | Merge orders from the same store or customer |
Order Importing Type | Define the date/time from which order importing should start |
Final Steps
Click Save once all settings are configured
Set the channel to Is Active at the top of the screen
Your UNFI integration is now live - and you’re ready to Take the Helm
Common Issues
ISSUE | SOLUTION |
Invalid API URL | Verify the URL includes HTTPS and the correct API endpoint |
Invalid API Key | Confirm the API key is active and correctly copied |
Orders Not Importing | Ensure the channel is active and order sync settings are properly configured |
Stock Not Syncing | Make sure stock sync is enabled and product SKU mappings are accurate |
If you experience issues and need assistance, contact Helm Support
