The eccentric and lively sounds of Keith Adkins can be heard from across the way on Wednesdays and Fridays at Market on the Mall. The 73-year-old has been selling various nuts, dried fruits and vegetables, and jerky for Pacific Grain & Foods since last April. With his friendly attitude and warm smile, patrons can’t help but stop and take a bite out of the various samples Adkins provides. In fact, he said that is the key to his successful selling technique. “If you give them a sample, 9 times out of 10, they will buy it. But you have to get them to sample it first before they buy it.” Adkins said he enjoys meeting people and cares about their heatlh, which is why he sells at the Market. It is that vibrant attitude that makes Pacific Grain & Foods come alive at the Market.
Established in 1982 by Lee Perkins, Pacific Grain (as it was known then) started off as an animal feed company serving the San Joaquin Valley and the Western U.S. Over the course of the years and due to demand, the company became the namesake it is known for today and expanded its products into a dry goods supply business. Since then, business has been booming for the company, with over 1,200 food service customers. It is one of the West Coast’s largest handlers and specialty packers of various beans, spices, chiles, seeds, nuts and dried fruits, rice and wheat products. There are currently five warehouses in Fresno to serve the needs of clients from all over.
You can find Keith Adkins and Pacific Grain & Foods every Wednesday and Friday at the Market near the free speech area. Among the dried fruits and veggies offered are: mango slices, papaya slices, pineapple rings or chunks, pears, baked veggie chips, fried peas, etc. There are also a variety of nuts (peanuts, almonds, etc.) and jerky products for sale as well. The next time you visit the Market, keep your ears open for the guy offering delicious samples and don’t forget to stop by and try it!
