KeHE Distributors (Naperville, IL) hosted its annual Holiday Show at McCormick Place in Chicago in June, bringing together more than 3,000 retailers and suppliers focused on natural, specialty and fresh products appropriate for the upcoming holiday season.

“Our retailer and supplier partners rely on our guidance as to products that will perform well during the upcoming holiday season,” said Brandon Barnholt, president and CEO, KeHE Distributors.

Kathryn Shear and Kimberly Kawa of SPINS, LLC (Schaumburg, IL) said the passion and enthusiasm from emerging brands, as well as from more established brands, was unmistakable at the KeHE Holiday Show, which is an invitation-only, industry event.

“It was evident from the show that many brands are taking the initiative to adopt various certifications, cater to special diets and incorporate traceable ingredients,” they said.

Mike Leone, chief commercial officer, KeHE, said the distributor saw a 25 percent increase in exhibitor booths, a 20 percent increase in retail customer attendance, and a 256 percent increase in show floor orders placed.  “These were all records for a KeHE show,” said Leone.

For more information about KeHE, visit www.kehe.com.