BAKERSFIELD, CA - A new Director is taking their place on the Bako Sweet® team. As the sweet potato provider gears up for the upcoming Organic Produce Summit, it has announced that industry expert Susan Noritake will be stepping in as its new Director of Sales.

"I am thrilled to be joining the dynamic team at Bako Sweet," commented Noritake on her new position with the grower. "The opportunity to contribute to the growth of this brand and the sweet potato category is truly exciting."

Noritake joins the team as the harvest season quickly approaches, with exciting partnerships on the horizon for Bako Sweet. In collaboration with Director of Marketing Alexandra Rae Molumby, she will play an integral role in fostering the ongoing expansion of the company.

"Looking ahead, I am eager to collaborate with our sales and marketing team to seize existing and new business opportunities during the upcoming crop year," added Noritake.

Noritake's three decades of industry experience are decorated by a tenured career in sales and marketing for renowned brands such as Zespri International, Duda Farm Fresh Foods, Mann Packing, and Gill's Onions.

While at Zespri, she played a pivotal role in elevating the kiwifruit category from number 26 to 17 in the U.S. fruit bowl ranking, with Zespri's proprietary SunGold™ brand driving the growth. Noritake also spearheaded successful sales and marketing campaigns for broccolini and fresh-cut onions, catering to consumer preferences and driving retail sales, a press release explained.

"When seeking a candidate to lead our sales team, it was crucial to find someone with a forward-thinking vision," said Michael Valpredo, President of Bako Sweet. "Susan's track record of driving growth for brands and retailers made her the perfect choice, and we are honored to have her on board."

You can stop by and congratulate Susan Noritake yourself at booth #404 at the Organic Produce Summit!

For the latest fresh produce news, keep an eye out for that little apple logo.

Bako Sweet®