Sarasota Expands Its Role as a Hub for Innovation and Growth
Sarasota continues to attract national attention—not only for its luxury lifestyle and world-class real estate but also as a center for business innovation. This past week, United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI), the largest publicly traded wholesale distributor of health and specialty foods in the U.S., officially opened its newly constructed 1 million-square-foot Sarasota North Distribution Center.
Located at 8380 21st Street East, the facility represents a major expansion from its previous 734,000-square-foot site and reflects Sarasota’s growing significance on both the regional and national stage. The project broke ground in August 2023 and now stands as one of the most advanced operational hubs in UNFI’s portfolio of more than 50 distribution centers nationwide.
A First-of-Its-Kind for UNFI
What makes Sarasota North unique is its role in piloting next-generation automation. The facility is UNFI’s first to feature a KNAPP AI-enabled robotic system and only the second nationwide to utilize the company’s advanced Goods-to-Person automation technology. These systems are designed to reduce repetitive tasks, improve order accuracy, streamline inventory management, and enhance workplace efficiency.
As KNAPP chief sales officer Jusuf Buzimkic shared, the collaboration has created a solution that strengthens UNFI’s operations while directly improving both customer service and employee experience. For Sarasota, it’s a powerful signal of the region’s ability to attract innovation-driven businesses.
Jeff Sault, President, Distribution, UNFI:
“Opening Sarasota North is a significant investment as we continue to optimize our distribution network for the future. By combining advanced automation with a strong focus on the associate experience, we’re not only improving how we serve customers and suppliers—we’re creating a better place to work and a stronger foundation for long-term growth.”
Economic and Community Impact
The new facility isn’t just about technology—it’s also about people. Over 400 associates from UNFI’s former Sarasota facility have transitioned into the new distribution center, ensuring job continuity while providing an upgraded, more advanced workplace. The development was made possible through the combined efforts of regional and national partners, including Peak Development, Sansone Group, Arco Design/Build, and Broadstone Net Lease Inc.
Sarasota’s Momentum
With UNFI serving more than 30,000 grocery stores and food service customers nationwide, including Whole Foods, the opening of Sarasota North underscores the area’s role in supporting national supply chains while continuing to foster local economic vitality.
For luxury real estate buyers and residents, this milestone further illustrates Sarasota’s expanding reputation as a city that blends cultural appeal and exclusive waterfront living with real economic growth and opportunity.
From innovative institutions to new distributions of wealth and commerce, Sarasota remains a place where lifestyle and progress move in harmony—a winning combination that continues to attract both businesses and discerning homeowners alike.
