BAKERSFIELD, CA - Bako Sweet® is thrilled to announce the promotion of Susan Noritake to Vice President of Sales and Marketing.

Susan joined Bako Sweet in June 2023 as Director of Sales and has since been instrumental in leading the company’s sales and marketing efforts, delivering innovative solutions that elevate both the Bako Sweet brand and the sweet potato category. With 30 years of experience in sales and marketing at companies like Zespri International, Duda Farm Fresh Foods, Mann Packing, and Gill’s Onions, Susan brings a proven track record of building impactful campaigns that drive consumer demand and retailer success.

“I am honored to step into this new role and build on the incredible momentum we’ve achieved over the past year,” said Noritake. “Looking ahead to 2025, I’m eager to implement our fresh strategies that will continue to differentiate Bako Sweet in the market and to deepen partnerships with retailers while driving even greater consumer excitement for our products.”

In the past year, Susan has spearheaded campaigns positioning sweet potatoes as a year-round staple, inspiring consumers with Bako Sweet’s mission to “sweeten your every day” and elevating brand visibility at the retail level, a press release explained.

Under her leadership, the team continues to grow, and this elevated role will enable Susan to develop further and expand the brand’s sales and marketing initiatives.

“Susan has been a driving force behind our growth over the last year, bringing innovative strategies and unmatched expertise to the table,” added Matt McCort, Executive Vice President at Bako Sweet. “Her leadership and vision are invaluable as we continue to grow and solidify Bako Sweet’s position as the leading brand in the sweet potato category.”

As Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Susan will continue to lead the team with a focus on strategic growth and innovation, ensuring that Bako Sweet remains at the forefront of the industry.

Congratulations to Susan on this well-deserved promotion!

SALISBURY, NC - Food Lion Feeds and its generous customers have helped provide the equivalent of more than 29 million meals to increase families’ access to nutritious food this holiday season. This amount sets a record, quadrupling the highest Holidays Without Hunger meal count in 2021 which was equal to more than 6.6 million meals. The initiative benefits Feeding America®, the nation’s largest domestic hunger relief organization. It also benefits 33 local Feeding America partner food banks and hundreds of partner agencies throughout Food Lion’s 10-state operating area. Since it began in 2014, the Food Lion Feeds Holidays Without Hunger campaign has helped provide the equivalent of more than 73 million meals. Food Lion Feeds was founded in 2014 by Food Lion to address food insecurity in the towns and cities it serves.

“We are continuously grateful for the generosity of our customers who come together—at a time when they are setting their own tables for the holiday season—to make sure their neighbors also have access to nutritious food,” said Kevin Durkee, Manager, Food Lion Feeds, Food Lion. “We are committed to addressing food insecurity and believe no one should have to choose between dinner and rent or gas and groceries.”

During the Holidays Without Hunger campaign, which spanned from Nov. 6 – Dec. 10, customers could purchase specially marked, prepacked Holidays Without Hunger food boxes for $6. Each Food Lion store donated the purchased boxes directly to local Feeding America partner food banks or partner feeding agencies in the store’s community.

Customers also used the digital keypad at checkout to donate a specific dollar amount or round up their purchases. Feeding America and its partner food banks received 100 percent of all cash donations.

“Food Lion’s commitment to addressing food insecurity through initiatives like the Holidays Without Hunger campaign is emblematic of the power of community and partnership,” said Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, Chief Executive Officer, Feeding America. “Together with Food Lion and their generous customers, we are helping support families this holiday season. We are deeply grateful for the care and dedication Food Lion shows to their neighbors, helping to ensure everyone can share in the joy and comfort of a full holiday table.”

Through Food Lion Feeds, Food Lion has helped provide the equivalent of more than 1.2 billion meals to individuals and families since 2014 and has committed to donating the equivalent of 1.5 billion meals by the end of 2025, a press release stated. For more information on Food Lion Feeds’ commitment to fighting hunger, visit www.foodlion.com/feeds.

Cheers to this generous holiday initiative!