KeHE Distributors announced that it has entered into a distribution agreement with Fresh Thyme Farmers Market (FTFM), a new natural grocer with an aggressive market development plan for the Midwest Region. Fresh Thyme, who will open their first store in April in Mt. Prospect, Ill., anticipates opening 60 stores in the next five years. 

The agreement covers all of the planned FTFM locations and involves a wide variety of product categories. “KeHE’s broad product assortment and its personalized and flexible approach to meeting our distribution needs make them a perfect partner for Fresh Thyme,” said Sage Horner, SVP of Merchandising & Marketing of Fresh Thyme. “KeHE’s product selection, including natural, organic, specialty and fresh offerings aligns perfectly with the needs of the Fresh Thyme shopper,” continued Horner. 

Greg Leonard, KeHE’s EVP of Independent Retail Sales states, “What Fresh Thyme is bringing to the Midwest is a retail grocery model with a proven track record.  Their seasoned leadership team and well-conceived store design concept make Fresh Thyme perfectly positioned to capture the attention of shoppers.”

Over the next five years FTFM plans to open stores throughout the Midwest including Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska and Kansas.