January 7/Plymouth, Wis./Sargento Foods Press Release -- Sargento Foods Inc. announced today the appointment of Brian Riesterer as Senior Research Scientist.  He will manage the development of value-added products, including sauces and processed foods while reporting to Paul Groth, R&D manager.

“Brian’s strong background in dairy research will provide Sargento with strategic insight to continue our innovative new product development,” said Lou Gentine, chairman and CEO at Sargento. “We are pleased that Brian is joining the Sargento family and confident he will provide significant input to our research department.”

Prior to joining Sargento, Riesterer served as the research and development manager at Thiel Cheese & Ingredients, Hilbert, Wis., which custom formulates and manufactures a complete line of pasteurized processed cheese products.

A native of Kiel, Wis., Riesterer also served as an associate researcher for the Center for Dairy Research at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in bacteriology.

From the January 24, 2011, Prepared Foods E-dition