Naperville, Illinois-based KeHE Distributors has concluded its 2021 Holiday Trade Show that brought together more than 570 exhibiting suppliers and thousands of buyers using its proprietary virtual platform, KeHE CONNECT.
The virtual Holiday Show took place from June 10-18 and showcased innovation and trends for the 2021 holiday season while offering fan-favorite items for purchase. Suppliers and retailers used the platform to communicate with one another, explore promotional deals, discover product attributes and place deep deal orders online.
Attendees were invited to explore KeHE’s New Product Showcase, vote for the Next Generation Innovation Faceoff winner and participate in virtual education sessions.
“Our annual trade shows bring together food and beverage professionals for networking and product exploration,” said Ari Goldsmith, VP of marketing at KeHE. “With the consecutive success of our virtual and in-person shows, we are excited to host our first hybrid event at the 2022 KeHE Summer Show this February. The blended event will continue to drive growth for our retailers and suppliers through digital convenience and personal connection.”
During the show, KeHE once again demonstrated its commitment to innovation by selecting 17 On Trend Award Winners. The below winners were selected out of a pool of over 100 submissions for innovation, purpose, ingredients and salability:
- Best of Show: Nuttzo;
- Baking & Desserts: Enlightened;
- Bars & Breakfast: Nature’s Baker;
- Beverage: Fever Tree;
- Condiment: Curtice Brothers;
- Confection: Endangered Species;
- Diversity: B.Nutty;
- Fresh: You Are Loved Foods;
- Frozen: Cappellos;
- HBC & Personal Care: Grandpas Soap Co.;
- Pet: Caboo;
- Holiday Cheer: Nutpods;
- Refrigerated & Dairy: Laird Superfood;
- Mission-Based Brand: Small Axe Peppers;
- Snack Food: Vegan Rob’s;
- Pasta, Rice & Grains: Chickapea; and
- VMS: Goli Nutrition.
“We are excited to honor these well-deserving brands for driving innovation within our industry,” said Rachelle Radcliffe, director of brand development at KeHE. “We believe that these On Trend Award Winners are going to be extremely influential in bringing innovation to the marketplace this upcoming holiday season.”
KeHE’s 2021 Holiday Show enabled numerous opportunities for innovation exploration with more emerging brands from KeHE’s elevate program than ever before. The show also named its Next Generation Innovation Faceoff winner, Cocacao, winning a spot in the elevate program.
The 2021 KeHE Holiday Show is exclusive to current KeHE suppliers and retailers. To learn more about KeHE’s trade shows, visit kehe.com/events.
