INFRA Blogs

KeHE is an INFRA sponsor. Article provided by KeHE. 

Distribution is multi-faceted and non-stop; moving trucks to stores may be at the core of KeHE’s work, but we also go above and beyond to empower and support brands that are making a difference in today’s market. Learn more about our initiatives to highlight mission-based brands, attract and retain diverse suppliers, and invite suppliers and retailers to take bold climate action below. 

CARE Trade 

Our mission statement at KeHE is to "serve to make lives better," and our Care Trade program is one way of highlighting mission-based brands that strive to make the world a better place. Bringing focus to these brands allows retailers to connect their customers with the people behind the products and helps consumers make their dollars count. 

DIVERSE Trade 

Our objective is to attract, retain, and grow diverse suppliers at KeHE by being a mentor and advocate. We want to support and help diverse suppliers successfully navigate the food distribution model by removing barriers and increasing opportunities for success. 

All suppliers with current/active certifications in KeHE Connect are part of the DIVERSE Trade Program. These certifications include:  Women Owned, National Minority Supplier Development Council, U.S. Veteran Owned Business, NGLCC (National LGBT Chamber of Commerce) and Disability: IN, an organization dedicated to empowering businesses to achieve disability inclusion and equality. 

Benefits to inclusion in the program include marketing and financial support, as well as being highlighted at the KeHE Summer and Holiday selling shows. 

KeHE Elevate 

The objective here is attracting and cultivating leading-edge brands. KeHE is engaged in curating a dynamic brand portfolio by seeking out early-stage brands and then providing a platform for growth via speed-to-market programs. 

KeHE Elevate provides a variety of support to emerging brands in this program including connection to existing networks and promoting strategic paths to market, as well as marketing partnership.  

ECO Trade 

Our purpose is to inspire and invite suppliers and retailers to join us on the climate action journey.  ECO Trade is KeHE’s way of highlighting brands that have made a significant climate commitment to address their Scope 1, 2, & 3 emissions. 

Learn More

All KeHE program (CareTrade, DiverseTrade, Elevate and EcoTrade) brands are called out in KeHE publications such as the Regional Spotlight flyer and are searchable via the KeHE Connect Retailer platform under Products > Departments (shown in the screenshot below).

Want more information?  Ask your TSM or sign up to attend a KeHE selling show and meet the brands in person.