KeHE Distributors recently concluded its 2026 Summer Show in Denver and virtually on its KeHE CONNECT platform, bringing together more than 5,000 retailers, suppliers and industry partners.
The event delivered education sessions, trend insights, buying opportunities and networking designed to help retailers and brands navigate an evolving grocery landscape. Organizers said the show focused on supporting planning for the summer selling season by connecting attendees with both emerging and established brands, along with in-store merchandising solutions and consumer insights.
“KeHE shows are powerful as they bring the entire distribution ecosystem together in one place,” said Ari Goldsmith, Vice President of Marketing and Digital Media at KeHE. “With record-breaking attendance and unprecedented sales, the engagement in Denver showed how face-to-face collaboration between retailers and suppliers accelerates innovation and helps better serve today’s shoppers.”
The show opened with an “Executive Update: Shaping Tomorrow Together,” led by Deb Conklin, CEO and President of KeHE, who addressed the economic environment, the state of the grocery industry and how retailer and supplier feedback is shaping the company’s strategy.
KeHE also recognized standout brands and exhibitors through its KeHE On Trend Awards and introduced new Booth Awards honoring creativity and execution. Winners included Stubb’s (Legacy Award), Westgold (Endcap Excellence Award), Gelatys (Show Stopper Award) and Lipid Kitchen (Innovator in Action Award).
Innovation was a focal point in the KeHE Fresh Marketplace, where Wild Oats—a new KeHE exclusive brand—made its debut. The line features what the company described as the first and only Regenerative Organic Certified cold-pressed juices and smoothies, along with pasture-raised Regenerative Organic Certified eggs and free-range organic egg offerings.
The event also included expert-led education sessions and in-store sampling demonstrations centered on trends, merchandising strategies and activation tactics aimed at driving trial and conversion.
KeHE highlighted its sustainability efforts through a food donation initiative conducted in partnership with We Don’t Waste, resulting in more than 44,000 meals donated to the Denver community.
Looking ahead, the company said it will host its 2026 KeHE Holiday Show June 10th and 11th in Chicago, with a virtual component running June 3rd to 19th on the KeHE CONNECT platform.
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