Sakata adds Robb Bertels as retail category manager

Sakata Seed America has hired Robb Bertels as the company’s new retail category manager, according to a press release. He enters the position with 30 years of industry experience

Bertels was previously vice president/publisher for publications including The Packer, Produce Merchandising and Citrus & Vegetable to serving as vice president of marketing at Mission Produce for five years.

“I’m very excited about working at Sakata. The company has a long history in seed production in the Americas, as well as globally. What attracted me to the company is its reputation as a high-quality organization with great products, an outstanding culture and exceptional people,” Bertels said.

Effective Aug. 12, Bertels will be responsible for connecting new Sakata product development and trends to retail partners by communicating the downstream benefits of top Sakata products for retail sector. This includes the company’s Infinite Gold cantaloupe and specialty tomato programs, which both focus on flavor as a key component.