Two industry veterans join Pete Pappas & Sons organic sales team

Mid-Atlantic fresh produce wholesaler Pete Pappas & Sons has added two industry veterans, Kevin Benson and James McKinnis, to its organic sales team division.

As an organic commodity manager, Benson brings with him new opportunities and three decades of fresh produce experiences to Pete Pappas & Sons, according to a news release. Benson specializes in organics, citrus sales and purchasing, making him a perfect sales fit for the flagship Pete’s Garden Organics line, the company said. He brings knowledge from his positions through the years spanning multiple departments, most recently as director of purchasing, according to the release.

Related news: Maryland firm wins $284M federal contract to supply fresh produce

“I always had a lot of respect over the years for how the Pappas team took care of their customer needs. I am thrilled to be with a great group of people, and a well-run business!” Benson said in the release.

McKinnis joins Pete Pappas & Sons as a sales executive with over 20 years of industry experience in both Southern and Northeastern markets, specializing in organic fresh produce sales. Having grown up around farming and produce in Texas, McKinnis brings a lifelong passion for produce, the company said.

McKinnis is “extremely happy to be working at a strong family owned and managed business like Pappas,” according to the release.