KeHE signs MOM’s Organic Market

Better-for-you grocery chain MOM’s Organic Market has enters a primary distribution contract with KeHE Distributors LLC.

Terms of the agreement weren’t disclosed. Naperville, Ill.-based KeHE said yesterday the multiyear pact includes supplying all natural, organic and specialty products for MOM's 19 stores in Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and the District of Columbia.

"MOM's is one of a handful of natural food merchants that 'set the standard' for excellence and authenticity in organic grocery retailing,” KeHE Chief Operating Officer Gene Carter said in a statement. “Our companies share common values, a passion for healthy food and a commitment to sustainable practices. We are honored MOM's has chosen KeHE as their primary distribution partner."

Rockville, Md.-based MOM’s has been on a growth track. The organic grocer opened its newest location, a 16,000-square-foot store in Gaithersburg, Md., in June, which followed new-store openings in White Marsh, Md.; Cherry Hill, N.J.; Baltimore; and Philadelphia.

"We are dedicated to serving our customers and operating in a highly sustainable manner that protects and restores the environment,” stated Scott Nash, founder and CEO of MOM’s. “In KeHE we have found a Certified B Corp partner that shares our values and has adopted verifiable commitments to serve its stakeholder groups, the less fortunate and to protect the environment." A B Corp company is certified as meeting certain standards for social sustainability, environmental performance, accountability and transparency.

Related:Albertsons, KeHe renew distribution pact

KeHE will serve MOM's through its new, state-of-art distribution center in North East, Md. The distributor supplies natural, organic, specialty and fresh products to natural food stores, supermarket chains, independent grocery stores and other specialty retailers across North America.

"MOM's success is rooted in bringing the latest and best natural, organic and fresh products to market for our customers. KeHE's partnership is absolutely critical in this effort,” according to Lisa de Lima, vice president of grocery at MOM's.

Over the past couple of years, KeHE has secured key customers. In June, the company was named as the primary U.S. distributor of the Independent Natural Food Retailers Association (INFRA) cooperative, which has more than 236 members representing 385 store locations in 40 states and the District of Columbia. And in February, Albertsons Cos. renewed its supply agreement with KeHE as its primary wholesaler for natural, organic and specialty products. Last year, KeHe added online natural/organic grocer Thrive Market as a primary distribution customer and renewed its distribution pact with Sprouts Farmers Market through 2025.

Related:MOM’s Organic Market evolves as it expands to 19th location