Naperville, ILThe world of natural products distributors has become more compact with the acquisition of Nature's Best by KeHE Distributors, announced formally on July 18. The pairing is said to enhance and broaden KeHE's national distribution and its expertise in the natural/organic channel.

Founded in 1969 by a family with nutrition store roots, Nature's Best had been the biggest privately owned distributor in the natural products industry. In a prepared statement, KeHE President and CEO Brandon Barnholt, said, "The addition of this great group of people and long-standing tradition of service fits perfectly into our operations. This combination positions KeHE to fulfill our vision of being the preferred supply chain partner in the natural, specialty, and fresh products marketplace in North America."

Published in WholeFoods Magazine, September 2014. Posted July 18, 2014