GREENCASTLE, PA - Celebrate good times, come on! Keystone Fruit Marketing is spreading the festive spirit as it celebrates a momentous 45-year anniversary with its first-ever grower, El Vista Orchards, this coming November. Sales and Marketing Manager Andrea Scroggs takes a dive into this strong partnership with Dave Benner and Bob Evans.
Founded in 1915 by Banks Elmer Benner (aka B.E. Benner), El Vista Orchards is now run by third-generation Dave Benner, President, and his two sons, fourth-generation Kyle and David.
Marvin Carbaugh and Bob Evans officially formed Keystone in November 1977. They were familiar with El Vista, run by Dave’s father, Lloyd Benner, at the time. The two partners knew that El Vista provided quality apples and envisioned them to be an excellent grower partner for Keystone.
“They were significant, especially in the beginning, to our success,” Bob Evans, a Keystone Founder, commented in the interview, noting that El Vista was Keystone’s first apple order received. “And they have been ever since.”
A long-lasting connection was made, and Keystone quickly realized El Vista was a grower to stand by.
Regarding the Keystone team, as noted in the interview, Dave Benner stated everyone he has ever worked with at Keystone handles themselves with professionalism and integrity. He talks about a partnership that has worked well for both sides over decades.
“You have to have a big heart. You have to take it one day at a time, knowing they’re all different,” Dave Banner commented. “Give your best every day, and at the end of it, know that you did what you could, and you gave it your all, no matter the outcome.”
Bob Evans further stated, “They’re a good grower; and they’re great, hard-working people to work with. The main thing has been communication and also understanding. Most days were not smooth, but we were able to work things out and make them work for everyone involved. They worked very hard for us in the beginning, and still do today.”
Cheers to 45 years! Dive into this interview more here, and stick with ANUK to highlight the latest in fresh.
