Kehe Distributors LLC - Your Food Supply Partner
You know, when you think about getting good food to stores, especially the kind that's natural, organic, or a bit special, there's a lot that goes on behind the scenes. It's actually a pretty big operation to make sure all those wonderful products, the ones people really want for their homes, actually make it onto the shelves. Kehe Distributors LLC, as a matter of fact, plays a truly significant part in that whole process, making sure a wide range of food items gets where they need to be.
So, this company, Kehe Distributors LLC, is pretty much a big player in the country when it comes to getting natural, organic, specialty, and fresh food items to stores. They help connect a lot of different brands and products with places where you shop. It’s like they're the bridge, you know, between the folks who make these items and the stores that sell them, making sure there's always something new and interesting for everyone.
They've got a pretty extensive setup, which really helps them reach so many places. From fresh produce to pantry staples, Kehe Distributors LLC makes sure a huge variety of things are available. This means that whether you're looking for something wholesome or a particular treat, it's very likely Kehe had a hand in getting it to your local shop, which is pretty cool if you think about it.
Table of Contents
- What Does Kehe Distributors LLC Actually Do?
- How Does Kehe Distributors LLC Reach So Many Places?
- A Little Bit About Kehe Distributors LLC History
- What Kind of Products Does Kehe Distributors LLC Handle?
- Where Can You Find Kehe Distributors LLC Locations?
- How Does Kehe Distributors LLC Support New Businesses?
- What Is the Kehe Distributors LLC Approach to Their Work?
- Staying Connected with Kehe Distributors LLC
What Does Kehe Distributors LLC Actually Do?
So, you might be wondering, what exactly does Kehe Distributors LLC do for everyone? Well, they are a national distributor, which means they help get a wide range of food items from the people who make them to the stores where you buy them. They specialize in a few key areas: natural and organic foods, items that are a bit special or unique, and also fresh products. It’s pretty much their main job to make sure these kinds of things are available all over the country.
They work with over 31,000 different retail stores, which is a really big number if you think about it. And it's not just about getting products to stores; they also have connections with over 4,100 suppliers and represent about 8,500 different brands. That, you know, is a massive network. It means they're helping a huge variety of food items find their way to shoppers, making sure there's plenty of choice for today's consumers who often look for things that fit their particular way of living.
Basically, Kehe Distributors LLC is a key player in the United States when it comes to getting natural and specialty food products out there. They're all about making sure that the food items that fit how people want to eat today are readily available. This includes everything from everyday staples to those unique finds that make a meal or snack a little more interesting, which is pretty important for a lot of folks.
How Does Kehe Distributors LLC Reach So Many Places?
You might be curious, how does Kehe Distributors LLC manage to get food items to so many different stores all across North America? Well, they have a pretty impressive setup of distribution centers. They operate with 18, and actually now 19, of these centers spread out over the continent. This extensive network is really what helps them move products around so effectively, helping brands get their items to market.
Having so many places where they can store and sort products means they can reach a lot of retailers pretty efficiently. It helps them serve that huge number of stores we talked about earlier, making sure that whether a store is in a big city or a smaller town, they can still get the natural, organic, specialty, and fresh items their customers want. This kind of widespread presence is, you know, a big part of what makes them a top wholesale food distributor.
Their distribution system is also pretty clever when it comes to fresh items. Kehe is the only national distributor that delivers their "five pillars of fresh" products on the same truck as regular pantry items. This is a big deal because it simplifies things for stores and helps keep fresh items, well, fresh. It really helps stores become places that are worth leaving home for, as they put it, offering a full range of products in one delivery, which is pretty convenient for everyone involved.
A Little Bit About Kehe Distributors LLC History
So, where did Kehe Distributors LLC come from, you might wonder? The company first started way back in 1953. That's a pretty long time, isn't it? Since then, they've grown quite a bit, partly by bringing other companies into their fold. This growth has helped them become the large organization they are today, with quite a few people working for them.
They've got over 1,000 people on their team, and their business has grown to be quite substantial, with financial figures in the hundreds of millions. It's pretty interesting how a company that started so long ago has kept up with the times and continued to expand, actually becoming a significant force in the food distribution business. Their main office is in Naperville, Illinois, which is where a lot of their operations are managed from.
Another thing that's pretty neat about Kehe Distributors LLC is that they've earned a B Impact Score of 109.1 and became a B Corporation. This means they meet certain standards for social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. It shows, you know, that they're not just about business, but also about doing things in a way that aims to be good for people and the planet, which is something a lot of folks appreciate these days.
What Kind of Products Does Kehe Distributors LLC Handle?
When you think about the types of food items Kehe Distributors LLC works with, it's quite a broad list. They really focus on those natural, organic, specialty, and fresh products. But what does that mean specifically? Well, they offer things like dairy items, which is pretty common. Then there are natural foods, which can cover a lot of ground, from wholesome grains to healthier snacks.
They also deal with confectionery, so that's candies and sweet treats, and a variety of nuts, grains, and seeds. You'll also find snack mixes among their offerings, and even vitamins. So, it's a pretty wide array of things, from everyday groceries to more specialized health-focused products. This variety is, you know, part of what makes them such a comprehensive distributor for stores looking to stock a diverse selection of items.
Their product portfolio is shaped by their leadership, like their EVP of Commercial & Merchandising, who helps decide what items they carry and how they're promoted. This focus on a broad yet specific range of products helps stores offer items that truly fit the way people want to eat today, whether they're looking for something healthy, something unique, or just a really good snack, which is pretty helpful for retailers.
Where Can You Find Kehe Distributors LLC Locations?
So, where exactly are all these places where Kehe Distributors LLC does its work? They have a good number of locations across North America, actually 16 of them. Their main office, the home base if you will, is in Naperville, Illinois. That's where a lot of the big decisions and coordination happen, you know, for the whole operation.
They also have what they call an "innovation headquarters" out in Boulder, Colorado. This sounds like a place where they might be thinking up new ideas or exploring new trends in food. Besides those two, you can find other Kehe Distributors LLC offices or facilities in places like Breinigsville, Pennsylvania, which has an address at 860 Nestle Way, Suite 250. There are also spots in Chino, California, Glendale Heights, Illinois, and Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This spread of locations really helps them cover a lot of ground.
Having these many physical locations, including their distribution centers, means they have a pretty solid footprint. It helps them serve their vast network of retailers and suppliers efficiently. If you're looking for an opportunity to work with them, or just curious, they do have various spots across the country where they operate, which is pretty good for their reach.
How Does Kehe Distributors LLC Support New Businesses?
It's pretty interesting how Kehe Distributors LLC also puts effort into helping smaller and newer suppliers. They're actually investing in new businesses, especially those that are just starting out or are relatively small, like those with less than $500,000 in sales and who are in their first year working with Kehe. This is, you know, a pretty big deal for small companies trying to get their products out there.
They offer a special program for these newer suppliers: a 2% flat rate. This program is, of course, subject to a review and approval by their supplier manager. It's a way for Kehe Distributors LLC to help these smaller brands get a foothold in the market without facing some of the bigger costs that might typically come with distribution. This kind of support can really make a difference for a new food business, helping them grow and reach more customers.
This commitment to supporting new and smaller suppliers shows that Kehe is looking ahead and trying to help cultivate the next wave of natural and specialty food products. It's a way to keep their product offerings fresh and varied, and it also helps foster innovation in the food industry, which is pretty cool if you ask me.
What Is the Kehe Distributors LLC Approach to Their Work?
Kehe Distributors LLC seems to have a pretty distinct way of doing things. They often talk about being "passionate about business with," which hints at a deeper purpose beyond just moving products. They also mention wanting to "transform one life at a time by walking alongside those on their journey to hope and wholeness." This suggests a commitment to more than just commerce, you know, a kind of social mission.
Their culture seems to be a big part of who they are. They have something called the "Kehe Leadership Academy," which is rooted in what they describe as Kehe's "transformative culture." This academy helps organizations that want to make a difference, aiming to help them "cultivate a legacy." So, it's not just about selling food; it's also about developing people and making a positive impact, which is pretty admirable.
They even encourage people to "Have a crazy good™ day!" This little phrase gives you a sense of their approachable and perhaps even enthusiastic attitude. It seems they want their work to be meaningful, both for their team members and for the wider community, which is, you know, a pretty good way to approach business.
Staying Connected with Kehe Distributors LLC
If you're a retailer or a supplier, or just someone interested in what Kehe Distributors LLC does, they have ways for you to stay connected. For retailers, there's something called "KeheConnect Retailer." This is a system that helps with ordering and managing natural and organic products in a pretty straightforward way. It's all about making things easy for the stores they serve, which is pretty important for smooth operations.
They also have various programs for retailers to help them improve their product selection. These include "featured deals," "case stack" programs, and "spotlight" opportunities. These are exclusive programs designed to help stores get the most out of their partnership with Kehe. It's like they're offering special tools to help retailers succeed, which is pretty thoughtful.
Kehe Distributors LLC also keeps people informed about what's happening. For instance, they had news about Karen Hung being selected as a director to watch on March 24, 2025. And they're planning their 2025 Kehe Summer Show for February 18, 2025. These events and announcements are ways they keep their partners and the public updated on their activities and leadership, which is pretty open of them.
So, to sum things up, Kehe Distributors LLC is a major food distributor in North America, specializing in natural, organic, specialty, and fresh products. They connect over 31,000 retailers with 4,100 suppliers and 8,500 brands through 19 distribution centers. Founded in 1953, they've grown significantly, are a certified B Corporation, and operate from a main office in Naperville, Illinois, with an innovation headquarters in Boulder, Colorado, and other locations. They offer various programs for retailers and support new suppliers, all while aiming for a business approach that is purposeful and community-minded. They also maintain digital platforms like KeheConnect for smooth operations.
KeHE Distributors, LLC – Where KeHE Goes… Goodness Follows®
KeHE Distributors, LLC – Where KeHE Goes… Goodness Follows®
Randall-Paulson Architects
