INFRA Partners with KeHE Distributors To Serve Northeast Retailers

MINNEAPOLISThe Independent Natural Food Retailers Association (INFRA) partnered with KeHE Distributors to service participating members in the Northeast Region of the United States.

The agreement has been a goal of the INFRA, as it has been seeking opportunities that will best serve members' core values and mission. A regional agreement works well for independent retailers as it speaks to their marketplace differentials of local economies, product sourcing and sustainable activates that strengthen stakeholders. Long term, the association believes that supporting and building regional activity is crucial to success. "It allows us to retain a level of fluidity and flexibility, takes into consideration the increasing costs and environmental impact of fuel usage and begins to build a business model that hopes to better support local food economies," said Corinne Shindelar, CEO of INFRA. "We are looking to see what we can model in other regions of the country as each region is a unique marketplace." The partnership also allows INFRA members in the Northeast to improve their purchasing position in the market and to have a platform that supports innovation.

The decision to launch the agreement in the Northeast was based on the concentration of membership in the region and the level of collaboration retailers reached through their engagement in INFRA. Further, the association plans to continue to facilitate programs and activities with all three major distributors including UNFI, Nature's Best and KeHE. For more information visit the article Major Changes in Grocery Retailing.