KeHE Distributors, a natural and organic, specialty and fresh product distributor, has signed an exclusive partnership with Rodale Institute, a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding the regenerative organic agriculture movement through research, farmer training and education, according to a release.
The collaboration between the Naperville, Ill.-based KeHE and Rodale Institute will mutually support the advancement of organic farming and regenerative practices and products in the food industry. Regenerative agriculture focuses on building soil health as a way to enhance the health of people and the planet, the release said.
“We are extremely excited about our partnership with KeHE,” said Annie Brown, vice president of development at Rodale Institute. “As like-minded market innovators, we are joining forces to continuously improve organic and regenerative organic farming practices and advance new learnings from the labs and farms to exciting new products for retailers and consumers.”
With this exclusive partnership, KeHE says it will be better equipped to support the development of healthier, sustainable food products as well as offer retailers and consumers new and innovative products.
“Natural, organic, fresh and specialty food sales continue to outpace traditional grocery items and this is fueled by consumer demand for healthier and more sustainably produced food,” said Amy Kirtland, executive vice president, innovation and growth at KeHE. “This partnership allows us to continue to support best-in-class organic farming practices while providing customers with superior products — it’s a win-win for all and we are extremely excited about working together.”
Rodale Institute co-created the Regenerative Organic Certification that prohibits toxic synthetic chemicals and GMOs and focuses on soil health. Regenerative organic certification adds animal welfare and social fairness to its core certification criteria, the release said.
As one of the largest and most respected distributors focused on natural & organic, specialty, and fresh products, KeHE is dedicated to supporting Rodale Institute’s advancement of organic farming and regenerative practices and products.
