Heat Up Your Sales: Your Ultimate Guide to the KeHE Summer Show (Buyer Show)!

Imagine the sun-drenched aisles of your store, brimming with innovative products that capture the vibrant spirit of summer. Picture consumers reaching for refreshing new beverages, wholesome on-the-go snacks for outdoor adventures, and unique ingredients perfect for summer entertaining. This vision becomes a reality at the KeHE Summer Show (Buyer Show), the definitive event where the season’s hottest trends and must-have products are unveiled. As a premier gathering for the natural, organic, specialty, and fresh food industries, this show is a crucial catalyst for retailers looking to invigorate their summer offerings and for suppliers aiming to secure significant seasonal placements. While KeHE consistently innovates its show format, leveraging both dynamic in-person experiences and its cutting-edge virtual platform, KeHE CONNECT®, the 2025 KeHE Summer Show in Phoenix, Arizona, served as a prime example of its immense impact, attracting thousands of attendees and showcasing a carefully curated selection of products destined to dominate summer sales. This isn’t just a trade event; it’s a strategic springboard, a vital hub of trend forecasting, exclusive deals, and unparalleled networking, all meticulously designed to propel both retailers and suppliers toward a sizzling summer of success.

Step onto the bustling floor of the Phoenix Convention Center, a vibrant marketplace buzzing with energy and innovation. You’ll be surrounded by an astonishing array of products, from revitalizing functional beverages and plant-based BBQ alternatives to artisanal ice creams and convenient, healthy meal solutions perfect for busy summer days. This isn’t merely about observing; it’s about engaging directly with the brands that are shaping the future of food. Taste, touch, and discover the compelling stories behind products that will resonate with consumers seeking wellness, convenience, and unique culinary experiences during the warmer months. The KeHE Summer Show offers an unparalleled opportunity to unearth “On Trend®” award-winning items, gain exclusive access to emerging brands, and secure show-only deals that can dramatically enhance your profit margins. It’s where a grocery chain buyer discovers a new line of non-alcoholic craft beverages perfectly aligned with the mocktail trend; where an independent health food store finds a unique, sustainably sourced snack that will become a summer best-seller; and where established brands launch their latest seasonal innovations, collaborating directly with KeHE buyers to optimize promotions and shelf placement. For any retailer seeking to differentiate their store, anticipate consumer demand, and secure the most exciting products for the crucial summer selling season, or any supplier aiming to significantly expand their market reach and forge critical partnerships, attending the KeHE Summer Show is not just an option—it’s an indispensable annual commitment that directly influences sales growth, sparks innovation, and fortifies vital industry relationships.

The summer months represent a unique and significant period for the food industry, characterized by increased outdoor activities, travel, and a consumer desire for lighter, more refreshing, and convenient food and beverage options. Successfully navigating this season demands a keen understanding of evolving consumer preferences, agile inventory management, and compelling promotional strategies. The KeHE Summer Show is specifically engineered to equip businesses with the tools and insights necessary to excel in this dynamic environment. It’s where a category manager can identify the next big thing in gut-healthy beverages or discover innovative frozen desserts that cater to dietary restrictions; where a supplier can receive invaluable direct feedback from retailers, refining their product offerings and marketing messages; and where the entire ecosystem learns to adapt to seasonal demand shifts and supply chain efficiencies. The show’s unwavering commitment to showcasing a comprehensive product assortment, providing industry-leading market intelligence, and facilitating direct buying and selling opportunities makes it an incredibly efficient platform for businesses of all sizes to flourish. If you’re a retailer striving to captivate your customers with fresh, exciting products, or a supplier aiming to unlock significant seasonal orders and build enduring partnerships with a leading distributor, attending this event offers a practical, inspiring, and profoundly strategic experience that directly contributes to your success and strengthens the vibrant natural, organic, and specialty food community.

Sunshine & Strategy: Venue, Time, and Cost

The KeHE Summer Show is a cornerstone event in the natural, organic, specialty, and fresh food calendar. KeHE consistently hosts its major in-person shows at top-tier convention centers in easily accessible U.S. cities.

A Glimpse at the 2025 KeHE Summer Show Venue The 2025 KeHE Summer Show held its in-person component at:

• Phoenix Convention Center, Phoenix, Arizona.

The Phoenix Convention Center is a modern, expansive facility capable of hosting large-scale trade shows. Its strategic location in downtown Phoenix provides ample space for numerous exhibitors and thousands of attendees. Such a venue offers:

• Vast Exhibition Halls: Plenty of room for hundreds of supplier booths, specialized pavilions (like the Fresh Marketplace), product demonstration areas, and dedicated zones for “On Trend®” products.
• Integrated Services: State-of-the-art facilities for registration, various food and beverage options, meeting rooms, and robust connectivity, ensuring a seamless experience for all participants.
• Accessibility: Located in a major city with a significant airport (Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport – PHX), making it convenient for attendees traveling from across North America.

The choice of such a well-equipped and centrally located venue highlights KeHE’s commitment to providing a premier platform for business and innovation.

Timing Your Market Entry: When and For How Long The KeHE Summer Show is an annual event, strategically scheduled to precede the critical summer selling season.

• When It Happens: The show typically takes place in early February. For instance, the 2025 KeHE Summer Show was held in-person from February 4 – 5, 2025, with the virtual component on the KeHE CONNECT® platform running from January 29 – February 12, 2025. This timing is crucial for retailers to finalize their summer product assortments and place orders well in advance, ensuring their shelves are stocked as demand rises with warmer weather. Suppliers benefit by securing these vital orders for their production and distribution schedules.
• Duration: The in-person component typically spans two intensive days, packed with buying opportunities, product discovery, and networking. The virtual show on KeHE CONNECT® extends the buying window for several weeks, providing flexibility and allowing for ongoing engagement and order placement. This hybrid model ensures comprehensive coverage and accessibility.

The Investment in Growth: Cost of Participation Attending the KeHE Summer Show is a strategic investment for both retailers and suppliers focused on the natural, organic, specialty, and fresh food markets.

• For Retailers/Buyers (Attendees): For qualified retail buyers, attendance at the KeHE Summer Show is generally complimentary. KeHE prioritizes facilitating business opportunities for its valued retail partners, meaning the primary costs for attendees would be associated with travel, accommodation, and personal expenses. The immense value comes from direct access to exclusive deals, thousands of new products, and invaluable face-to-face interactions with suppliers.
• For Suppliers (Exhibitors): The cost for suppliers to exhibit varies depending on factors such as booth size, location, whether it’s an in-person or virtual booth, and the supplier’s partnership level with KeHE (e.g., KeHE elevate® program for emerging brands). Exhibitor fees for a standard booth can range from several thousand dollars, representing an investment in unparalleled exposure to KeHE buyers and their extensive retail network. This investment includes the booth space, potentially some basic furnishings, and access to the virtual platform for extended engagement.

The comprehensive nature of the show and KeHE’s investment in its success underscore its role as a vital conduit for growth in the specialty food sector.

A Fresh Spread: Key Product Categories

The KeHE Summer Show is a highly curated event, showcasing the most innovative and sought-after products across the natural, organic, specialty, and fresh food sectors, with a particular emphasis on items perfect for the summer season. Retailers can expect to discover thousands of products within these key categories:

• Refreshing Beverages:
  • Functional & Wellness Drinks: Probiotic beverages, adaptogen-infused drinks, sparkling waters, and hydration-focused options.
  • Plant-Based Beverages: Diverse range of alternative milks, yogurts, and creamers.
  • Ready-to-Drink Teas & Coffees: Cold brew, iced teas, and unique flavored options.
  • Mocktails & Mixers: Non-alcoholic alternatives to popular cocktails, and premium mixers for summer entertaining.
• Summer Snacking & On-the-Go:
  • Healthy Snacks: Grain-free chips, protein puffs, fruit leathers, nut & seed mixes, and vegetable crisps.
  • Convenience & Portion Control: Single-serve packages perfect for picnics, beach trips, and packed lunches.
  • Sweet Treats: Better-for-you cookies, brownies, and frozen desserts (ice cream alternatives, popsicles) with clean ingredients.
• BBQ & Grilling Essentials:
  • Plant-Based Meats: Innovative vegan burgers, sausages, and chicken alternatives.
  • Gourmet Condiments & Sauces: Specialty BBQ sauces, marinades, hot sauces, and unique relishes.
  • Spices & Rubs: Organic and exotic spice blends for grilling.
• Fresh & Perishable Favorites:
  • Value-Added Produce: Pre-cut fruits and vegetables, organic salad kits, and convenient meal starters.
  • Specialty Cheeses & Deli Items: Artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, and gourmet deli salads for entertaining.
  • Refrigerated Meals & Sides: Quick and healthy heat-and-eat options perfect for busy summer evenings.
• Pantry & Gourmet Staples:
  • Unique Grains & Pasta: Gluten-free options, ancient grains, and specialty pasta.
  • Oils & Vinegars: Premium olive oils, specialty vinegars, and cooking oils for summer recipes.
  • Baking Ingredients: Natural sweeteners, alternative flours, and mixes for summer baking projects.
• Health & Body Care:
  • Natural sunscreens, insect repellents, and personal care items with clean ingredients, catering to summer outdoor lifestyles.
• Pet Products: Organic and natural pet treats and food reflecting human health trends.

The show also notably highlights “On Trend® Award Winners” – products identified by KeHE’s discerning category management team as embodying the most significant emerging consumer trends, providing retailers with a direct pipeline to future best-sellers.

The Buzz of Business: Visitor and Exhibitor Count

The KeHE Summer Show is carefully curated to maximize impactful interactions, bringing together a highly qualified segment of the natural, organic, specialty, and fresh food industries.

• Visitor Count: As a dedicated “buyer show,” the KeHE Summer Show attracts a substantial and highly targeted audience of retail professionals. The 2025 KeHE Summer Show in Phoenix welcomed nearly 5,000 in-person attendees, a significant number for a distributor-specific event. This influential audience primarily comprises:
  • Retail Buyers & Category Managers: Representing natural food stores, independent grocers, regional and national supermarket chains, convenience stores, and rapidly growing e-commerce platforms.
  • Owners & Operators: Of specialty food stores, health food shops, and gourmet markets looking for competitive advantages.
  • Merchandising & Marketing Teams: Seeking innovative display concepts and promotional strategies tailored for the summer season.
  • KeHE Sales Representatives: Actively facilitating connections and order placements for their retail partners. The strong representation of active buyers underscores the show’s effectiveness as a platform for direct sales and strategic partnerships.
• Exhibitor Count: The show consistently features a robust number of suppliers, all eager to showcase their products to KeHE’s expansive retail network. The 2025 KeHE Summer Show featured approximately 891 exhibitors, indicating the show’s importance for brand visibility and sales generation. These exhibitors include:
  • Established and emerging brands across the natural, organic, specialty, and fresh food categories.
  • Pioneers in sustainable packaging, food technology, and innovative ingredients.
  • Companies participating in specialized KeHE initiatives like the “KeHE Fresh Marketplace,” “KeHE elevate®” (for emerging brands), and those aligned with KeHE’s “CAREtrade®” mission. The diverse mix of industry leaders and promising newcomers creates a dynamic environment for product discovery and business development.

The Summer Surge: Perks of Attending

Attending the KeHE Summer Show offers a concentrated and invaluable experience for both retailers and suppliers, delivering distinct advantages for capitalizing on the lucrative summer selling season:

• First Look at Summer Trends & Products: Gain exclusive early access to thousands of new and innovative natural, organic, and specialty products and emerging trends specifically tailored for summer consumer demand. This allows retailers to plan their inventory and promotions well ahead of competitors.
• Unlock Exclusive Show-Only Deals: Capitalize on significant discounts, special pricing, and unique promotional offers directly from suppliers. These show-specific deals are crucial for optimizing margins and offering compelling value to consumers during the summer months.
• Streamlined Buying & Ordering: For retailers, the show provides an efficient platform (both in-person and via the KeHE CONNECT® virtual platform) to place orders directly with suppliers, ensuring timely stocking for the seasonal peak.
• Curated Product Selection: Benefit from KeHE’s expert curation, which presents a highly focused assortment of high-quality, on-trend products, saving buyers significant time in sourcing.
• Powerful Networking Opportunities: Connect directly with KeHE representatives, fellow retailers, and a vast network of supplier partners. These interactions can foster invaluable relationships, lead to shared insights, and spark new business collaborations.
• Strategic Merchandising Insights: Gather inspiration and practical strategies for effective in-store merchandising, product placement, and promotional campaigns designed to capture the attention of summer shoppers, driving both traffic and sales.
• Direct Supplier Feedback & Exposure: For suppliers, this is a prime opportunity to showcase products directly to a vast network of qualified retail buyers, receive immediate feedback, and secure crucial summer orders that can significantly impact annual revenue.
• Hybrid Show Convenience: The combination of an in-person event and the robust KeHE CONNECT® virtual platform extends the buying window, facilitates pre-show planning, and allows for efficient post-show follow-ups, maximizing the value of your participation.
• Expert Market Insights: Benefit from keynote presentations and trend forecasting sessions led by KeHE leadership and industry experts, providing invaluable insights into the macro-trends shaping the natural and specialty food landscape for the upcoming season.
• “Serving Goodness” Initiatives: Participate in or witness KeHE’s commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, as the show often incorporates community support or environmental initiatives (e.g., food donations), aligning with the values of many natural and organic brands and consumers.

For any business looking to make a significant impact during the summer season in the natural, organic, and specialty food space, the KeHE Summer Show is an indispensable annual event, offering direct access to products, powerful insights, and the vital connections needed to ensure a truly successful summer.

Your Phoenix Oasis: Nearby Hotels for the KeHE Summer Show

When the KeHE Summer Show is held in a major convention city like Phoenix, particularly at a central venue like the Phoenix Convention Center, attendees have a wide range of convenient and comfortable hotel options. These typically cater to business travelers and convention-goers.

• Connected / Immediately Adjacent Hotels: The Phoenix Convention Center is well-integrated with the downtown area, and several major hotels are either directly connected or just steps away, offering unparalleled convenience for attendees:
  • Hyatt Regency Phoenix: Often a primary convention hotel, directly across from the Convention Center.
  • Sheraton Phoenix Downtown: Another large, full-service hotel very close to the Convention Center.
  • Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel: A popular choice for large events, typically within a very short walk.
• Within Walking Distance (Short Walk/Light Rail): Downtown Phoenix has a growing number of hotels within easy walking distance or a short ride on the METRO Light Rail, which services the convention area. These options can include various brands and price points:
  • SpringHill Suites by Marriott Phoenix Downtown
  • Hampton Inn & Suites Phoenix Downtown
  • The Westin Phoenix Downtown
  • Courtyard by Marriott Phoenix Downtown
• Short Drive/Ride-Share Access: For those seeking different atmospheres or potentially more budget-friendly options, various hotels are a short drive or ride-share away from downtown Phoenix. Phoenix’s transportation network makes these easily accessible.

General Booking Advice for the KeHE Summer Show in Phoenix:

• Always Use KeHE’s Official Hotel Block: KeHE, as a professional event organizer, negotiates special discounted room rates for conference attendees with partner hotels. It is highly recommended to always book through the official housing links provided on the KeHE Summer Show website. This ensures you receive the best available rates, are part of the official room block (which often comes with certain benefits), and protects you from any unofficial third-party solicitations that might claim to offer lower rates but could be scams.
• Book Well in Advance: Given the popularity of Phoenix as a convention destination and the importance of the KeHE Summer Show, hotel rooms, especially in the most convenient locations, tend to fill up quickly. Early booking is strongly advised to secure your preferred accommodation.
• Consider Airport Proximity: Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is very close to downtown Phoenix. Plan your ground transportation from the airport to your hotel. The METRO Light Rail offers a convenient and affordable direct connection from PHX to downtown.

By strategically planning your accommodation, you ensure a comfortable and efficient experience at the KeHE Summer Show, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the invaluable opportunities for product discovery, strategic buying, and essential networking.

Ready to Catch the Next Wave? Plan Your Visit!

The KeHE Summer Show is more than just a trade event; it’s a critical annual moment that shapes the retail landscape for the vibrant summer season. It’s where innovation meets opportunity, where crucial buying decisions are made, and where the partnerships vital for a thriving natural, organic, and specialty food industry are strengthened. Don’t miss this unparalleled chance to discover the products that will delight consumers and drive your business forward.

To learn more about KeHE Distributors and their upcoming Summer Show, including specific dates, venues, registration details, and to plan your essential visit, please go to the official KeHE Events website:

kehe.com/events/