KeHE partners with Affiliated Foods Inc.

Natural-and-organic food distributor KeHE has partnered with Affiliated Foods Inc., the Naperville, Illinois-based distributor announced on Monday.

The partnership enables Affiliated Foods Inc. (AFI), a wholesale distribution cooperative primarily located in the South-Central U.S., access to KeHE’s national distribution network and high-level technology as well as the Midwest-based distributor’s new Dallas distribution center of natural and organic, specialty, and fresh offerings in key categories of refrigerated and frozen products.

“Partnering with Affiliated Foods Inc. is an exciting opportunity for KeHE to continue expanding into the South-Centra region of the U.S.,” said Marc Rosenthal, executive director of business development at KeHE, in a statement. “Our team is thrilled to work with AFI as the primary distributor for their natural, organic and specialty needs.”

AFI, which serves more than 800 grocery stores, convenience stores and restaurants, will utilize KeHE's curated network of suppliers that specialize in ingredient-based, specialty goods, according to a KeHE press release.

Earlier this month, a Chicago-based hybrid retailer with locations in Texas teamed up with KeHE to help change how consumers perceive convenience stores and their offerings.

“We are thrilled to be selected by Foxtrot as their primary distributor for natural, organic and specialty products,” said Kristen Christopher, VP of Alternate Channels at KeHE, in a statement regarding the partnership with Foxtrot. “Foxtrot and KeHE share a commitment to providing consumers with curated assortment of innovative and high-quality products that also support diverse, local and sustainable businesses.” 

A Certified B Corporation, KeHE is owned by its more than 6,800 employees and distributes to over 30,000 natural food stores, independent and chain grocers, and e-commerce retailers.