KeHE Distributors has announced the 44 Golden Ticket winners from more than 1,000 applicants in its recent virtual TRENDfinder event.
In addition, seven brands were identified as potential participants in KeHE elevate, which provides a platform of growth for select young and leading-edge brands.
The Golden Ticket recipients will join KeHE’s product portfolio and gain exposure to more than 30,000 retail locations across North America. Along with helping them navigate the distribution industry, KeHE is offering free supplier promotional programs.
At the event, 215 suppliers held one-on-one pitch meetings with KeHE’s category management team. Winning brands were chosen based on ingredients, innovation, taste, scalability, packaging, purpose and passion.
Receiving Golden Tickets were: Almotti, Blanchard’s Coffee Co., Blobs, Blueshift Nutrition, Bob Snail, BubbleLick-Edible Bubbles, Chelsea Approved, Cowz Leap, Ecologic Brands, Eat Gold Organics, Exponent Energy, Figlia, Foods Alive, FŪMI, Fungiments, Harken Foods, IBA Plant Powered Energy Drink, Impressive Foods, Janet’s Finest Compote, Just Coffee Cooperative, Ketchup Please, Matchako, NicObi Foods, Ok Cuban Sazon, Orleans Food Ltd. Co., Pure Rain Mountain Spring Water, Sandland, South Chicago Packing, Spicekick, Spicewell, Squared GF, Suckerz, Sunny’s Gourmet Products, Too Good To Be Foods, Trujoy Yogurt, Whimsy Cookie Co. and WhirlyBird Granola.
The following also are being considered for KeHE elevate: Amasar, Illicit Elixers, Maya Pura, OHLA! Foods, Sattva Vida, Spice House and Sugar Bliss.
“As an experienced distributor, we have the connections and know-how to support new brands as they navigate the distribution industry,” said Rachelle Radcliffe, director of brand development at the Naperville, Illinois-based company.
“We were truly impressed by our Golden Ticket winners and are excited to watch these brands grow and become beloved staples for customers.”
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