Bako Sweet Founder Don Valpredo Mourned

Donald (Don) John Valpredo, a lifelong champion of agriculture, businessman, founder and impetus behind Bako Sweet’s entry into the sweet potato business, died Oct. 31, 2024, while on vacation overseas. Valpredo was 85.

Valpredo was one of the original farmers in the southernmost region of Kern County after his family relocated to the Mettler area from Saugus, CA. He is remembered as a pioneer for being among the first, if not the first, to drill deep enough to find water in the area.

Building on his father’s legacy, Valpredo went on to be president of Ridge Ginning Co., and founding partner of Kern Ridge Growers, Val-Mar Farms and related entities. In 2008, along with his son, Michael, Valpredo co-founded Country Sweet Produce, whose Bako Sweet brand owes its origin to Valpredo’s affinity for sweet potatoes.

Valpredo is survived by his wife, Sally; three children (Michael Valpredo, Natalia Fritz and Alexis Mosely) and their spouses; and seven grandchildren.