KeHE Distributors has concluded its 2021 Holiday Trade Show that brought together over 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, vice president 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 and Desserts: Enlightened 

Bars and Breakfast: Nature’s Baker 

Beverage: Fever Tree 

Condiment: Curtice Brothers 

Confection: Endangered Species 

Diversity: B.Nutty 

Fresh: You Are Loved Foods 

Frozen: Cappellos 

HBC and Personal Care: Grandpas Soap Co. 

Pet: Caboo 

Holiday Cheer: Nutpods  

Refrigerated and Dairy: Laird Superfood 

Mission-Based Brand: Small Axe Peppers 

Snack Food: Vegan Rob’s 

Pasta, Rice and Grains: Chickapea 

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. 

Source: KeHE