Chief Information Officer at KeHE Distributors

How does KeHE utilize data to support small business growth?

KeHE provides its supplier community with data and analytics through its proprietary KeHE CONNECT® platform. In the platform, each supplier has access to everything from managing products to viewing their performance at KeHE. The tool empowers KeHE’s supplier partners to take their success into their own hands by providing a transparent look into their data and performance at KeHE while also providing them with opportunity tools through the KeHE CONNECT BI™ platform within KeHE CONNECT®.

The KeHE CONNECT® platform is also used for KeHE’s buying and selling trade shows, the KeHE Holiday Show, and the KeHE Summer Show. Throughout the show periods, retailers and suppliers are invited to sell and buy products through the KeHE CONNECT® platform and negotiate their deals. This digital selling opportunity allows businesses to potentially grow their business with a smaller investment than attending an in-person trade show.

How does KeHE help suppliers predict food trends and prepare for the demand?

KeHE offers support and tools to help with demand planning. Through our experts in the supply chain, the team works closely with data to identify and predict demand. KeHE also empowers the supplier community to look at their data with KeHE through the KeHE CONNECT® platform and see their performance in demand to identify areas of opportunity and growth.

 Within food distribution, we leverage our proprietary technology to become a better partner to our suppliers and retailers. 

What tech solution has been most effective for driving partner growth at sales shows?

KeHE CONNECT® platform, the proprietary platform used for KeHE show ordering, allows KeHE partners to negotiate and find the deepest deals, discover innovation, and uncover trending items throughout the show. This is one of many ways that KeHE enables connectivity and business growth online.

What marketing trends have driven sales at shows?

For each of KeHE’s national trade shows, KeHE’s team of experts identifies several trends for the buying season. Those trends are shared with the industry to educate retailers and suppliers on what trends to lean into for seasonal holidays. Each show uniquely pairs the trends with merchandising support and ideas for easy activation for retailers, showcasing numerous suppliers that align with the identified trends.

How do you think technology will impact the food distribution industry in the next five years?

Technology is instrumental in transforming any industry. Within food distribution, we leverage our proprietary technology to become a better partner to our suppliers and retailers. Through enhanced reporting, data, analytics, and KeHE’s proprietary KeHE CONNECT® platform, we aim to make the business more efficient, transparent, and easier to grow our partners’ businesses. We continue improving and growing our technology to enhance our relationships with our partners and ultimately support their success.