Palmetto Processing Solutions, the newest processor of fruits in the sector, is expanding its sales team with the hiring of Hunter Graves as its sales account manager. Palmetto Processing Solutions, a division of Titan Farms, a leading grower, packer and shipper of peaches and vegetables in the Eastern United States, welcomed Graves on April 18.
Graves comes to Palmetto Processing Solutions with over 10 years of experience in both broad line food distribution and individually-quick frozen (IQF) food product launches. He began his career at Menu Maker Foods, a privately-owned wholesale food distributor based in Jefferson City, Mo. At Menu Maker, Graves advanced through the sales chain, starting his career in the industry as a territory sales representative and continued on to become district sales manager. Most recently, Graves acted as the company’s regional business development manager where he grew the private label foodservice division by 150 percent in less than two years.
“From the inception of Palmetto Processing Solutions, we’ve been looking for an individual who not only has experience in the processing sector but would also embrace the opportunity of navigating this new journey with us,” said Lori Anne Carr, president of Palmetto Processing Solutions and vice president of Titan Farms. “Hunter fits that profile and we so look forward to growing Palmetto Processing Solutions with him.”
In his new position at Palmetto Processing Solutions, Graves will create new partnerships and manage sales accounts and external relationships. In 2016, the company expects to sell over 10 million pounds of processed peaches in puree and frozen formats – both IQF and bulk.
“I’ve only been here for a short time but I already feel like part of the family,” said Graves. “Having come from a family-owned-and-operated business myself, I know Palmetto Processing Solutions is the right place for me. I look forward to helping bring the company to the next level.”
Graves holds a BA in business management from the University of Missouri and an MBA from William Woods University. He has relocated to Palmetto Processing Solutions’ headquarters in Ridge Spring, S.C. with his wife and children.
