KeHE Distributors extends partnership with national retailer

National fresh and specialty product distributor KeHE Distributors has extended its distribution partnership with Sprouts Farmers Market, signing a 10-year agreement.

“KeHE is thrilled to continue our long-term partnership with Sprouts,” Scott Widtfeldt, KeHE executive vice president of sales, said in a news release. “Together, we’ve built a foundation of mutual success that has powered remarkable growth for both organizations. This extension positions both KeHE and Sprouts to accelerate innovation, enhance efficiency and unlock new opportunities to meet consumer demands in the years to come.”

KeHE’s offerings have fueled Sprouts’ expansion into new markets, according to the release. The introduction of KeHE’s Fresh Marketplace, with an assortment of more than 24,000 products, has helped diversify Sprouts’ product mix across deli, bulk and bakery.

“Sprouts’ growth in recent years has been fueled in part by our partnership with KeHE,” Sprouts president and chief operating officer Nick Konat said. “By extending our partnership for the next decade, we’ll continue delivering the freshest, highest-quality natural and organic products to our customers. As a leader in launching emerging brands, our partnership with KeHE enables us to introduce new innovation to our shelves within months of launch – giving customers early access to the latest products in healthy living.”

In August, KeHE extended its distribution agreement with Independent Natural Food Retailers Association for 10 years.

The company supplies more than 31,000 natural food stores, chain and independent grocery stores, e-commerce retailers and other specialty products retailers throughout North America.

Headquartered in Phoenix, Sprouts operates more than 450 stores in 24 states nationwide.