MORGAN HILL, CA - Sakata Seed America has announced a new addition to its management team—industry vet Robb Bertels will take on the role of Retail Category Manager. Bertels brings almost 30 years of experience and expertise, as well as a robust and varied background covering several facets of the industry. The new appointment will allow Sakata to better serve and connect with retail and foodservice sectors and their unique needs.
"I’m very excited about working at Sakata. The company has a long history in seed production in the Americas, as well as globally,” Bertels commented. “What attracted me to the company is its reputation as a high-quality organization with great products, an outstanding culture, and exceptional people.”
Bertels has experience across the industry, having spent five years as VP of Marketing at Mission Produce, along with stints in the industry’s press and publication sector. Starting August 12, Bertels will assume the role of Retail Category Manager, where he will be responsible for connecting new Sakata product development and trends to retail partners by communicating the downstream benefits of top Sakata products for the retail sector. This includes the company’s specialty tomato and Infinite Gold cantaloupe programs, both of which focus on flavor as a key component.
“At Sakata, we strive to breed and produce varieties that benefit all levels of the supply chain. Robb brings a deep understanding and respect for the industry to this role, and we look forward to focusing on streamlined communication down the supply chain to ultimately provide the best quality products to consumers,” said John Nelson, VP of Sakata Seed America.
Bertels is joining the team at an opportune time, as the company’s annual California Field Days event is fast approaching, where seed dealers, grower/shippers, retail buyers, and other industry professionals are invited to Sakata’s Woodland, CA, and Salinas, CA, facilities to showcase innovative breeding efforts and top products.
Congratulations Robb on the new role!
