Naperville, IL—KeHE Distributors is the new primary distributor partner for Allegiance Retail Services (ARS), according to a press release.

ARS provides independent supermarkets with customized retail services to enhance their success, and has focused its efforts on natural, organic, and specialty business. The co-op serves over 100 stores and 28 members in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania.

“We are confident that KeHE can serve Allegiance Retail Service members with excellent service, value, and industry expertise,” said Jennifer Mihajlov, Vice President of Northeast, Southeast, and Midwest Independent Sales at KeHE. “We are like-minded companies that share a commitment to optimizing the success of the independent grocer with first-to-market, highly-focused assortment, evolutionary marketing, and merchandising expertise while maintaining individual banner identity.”

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This new partnership will give ARS members an expanded product portfolio at a reduced cost. ARS will not only be able to develop a partnership with suppliers that are entirely focused on better-for-you offerings, but KeHE can also offer proactive and data-driven support.

"We are excited to pursue this partnership with KeHE Distributors,” said Mike Conese, Vice President of Center Store for Allegiance Retail Services. “Allegiance Retail Services chose to work with the leading distributor in natural, organic, specialty, and fresh products, because of their profound understanding of this business segment, deep knowledge of independent retail stores, and expertise in trend analysis, which we believe will help us better serve our members.”