Sakata Seed America names Bertels as retail category manager

Sakata Seed America has named Robb Bertels as the company’s new retail category manager. With nearly 30 years of experience in the industry, the company says Bertels brings a robust background to the position.

Robb Bertels

Bertels joins the team just in time for Sakata’s annual California Field Days event, which invites seed dealers, grower/shippers, retail buyers and other industry professionals to the company’s Woodland and Salinas facilities to showcase innovative breeding efforts and top products.

“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,” said Bertels.

Effective Aug. 12, Bertels will be responsible for connecting new product development and trends to retail partners. This includes the company’s Infinite Gold cantaloupe and specialty tomato programs, which both 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, vice president of Sakata Seed America.