Bako Sweet adds staff to support US retail, foodservice growth

Bako Sweet has expanded its sales and marketing team as it looks to strengthen support for retail and foodservice partners across the United States, the company announced.

The firm said the hires aim to bolster customer partnerships, category management, and supply chain operations as demand grows.

“Bako Sweet continues to grow, and building the right team is essential to delivering on our promise to customers and consumers,” said Susan Noritake, vice president of sales and marketing at Bako Sweet. “Each of our talented professionals brings unique strengths that will help us continue to drive category growth and provide our retail partners with the unmatched customer service they’ve come to expect from us.”

New hires target sales growth, customer relationships

Bako Sweet named Brian Porter as business development manager, Zachary Wakefield as sales account manager, and Katie Vierra as marketing specialist.

Porter brings nearly 40 years of experience with Safeway, where he most recently served as regional director of corporate produce. In that role, the company said he delivered double-digit annual sales and volume growth and worked with senior management to implement programs to increase department sales and profitability.

Wakefield will focus on expanding relationships with retail and foodservice customers and identifying new sales opportunities. He previously worked as an account executive at Wonderful Citrus and as a field representative for Kern County.

On the marketing side, Vierra will support brand development, retail programs, and consumer engagement, including social media and influencer campaigns. Her prior roles include positions at Harris Ranch and Beef Company, Central Valley Meat Company, Soil Basics Corporation, and Mendez Media Marketing.

Existing team supports supply chain continuity

The company also highlighted the roles of existing team members Bailey Reyneveld, sales account manager, and Hannah Rocha, replenishment analyst.

Reyneveld has spent more than five years working with retail partners on promotions, merchandising strategies, and category insights. Rocha has managed inventory levels, demand forecasting, and replenishment for more than four years, focusing on maintaining consistent supply to retail partners nationwide.

“As the sweet potato category continues to grow, having a strong team in place allows us to deliver our premium quality Bako Sweet brand that sweetens your everyday,®,” Noritake said. “I am excited to work with our three new team members who will complement the ongoing success with Bailey and Hannah.”

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