Naperville, Illinois-based KeHE has announced the 16 recipients of its 2023 TRENDfinder event, which took place virtually from May 1-12.
“Because the food distribution industry is so competitive, newly emerging brands find it difficult to break in,” said Rachelle Radcliffe, senior director of supplier experience.
“[These] events are a great opportunity for small brands to get their products in front of a large audience to build brand recognition and tap into KeHE’s marketplace network.”
Through the 2023 TRENDfinder event, 91 suppliers held one-on-one pitch meetings with KeHE’s category management team. Sixteen of them were then selected as Golden Ticket Winners and added to KeHE’s product assortment. Brands were chosen based on ingredients, innovation, taste, scalability, packaging, purpose and passion.
The 16 2023 KeHE TRENDfinder winners include: Berhan Grains, Oomph! Sweets, Veneto Café, Scotch Boyz, Coffee Toppers, Whoa Momma! Gelato, All Phenoms, Rivera’s Salsa, Companion Candles, Side by Side, Mickelberry Gardens, Purana, Testa, Anihana, Yours and Yumi.
By joining KeHE’s product portfolio, the brands will gain exposure to more than 30,000 retail locations and support the distributor’s partners in bringing new products to their customers.
KeHE’s category managers will provide the recipients with guidance on market trends, consumer insights and packaging requirements. They also will receive access to supplier promotional programs.
The next KeHE TRENDfinder event is set for October 2023, with the application process opening in late September. The distributor also held its annual holiday show June 14-15 in Chicago.
