Two longstanding industry figures have been awarded special prizes for their service to the German fruit and vegetable business.
At a ceremony during the German Fruit & Vegetable Congress in Düsseldorf today (21 September), Paco Borras and Robert Broadfoot were honoured for their contributions, with their awards presented by Fruitnet Media International's joint managing directors Chris White and Ulrike Niggemann.
Borras recently retired after being the face of Anecoop, one of Europe's largest fresh produce co-operatives, for more than 40 years. He is credited with helping change the fresh fruit and vegetable business and building up the links between Germany and his native Spain.
Borras, who has a degree in nuclear science, also did a lot of work bringing varieties to market such as persimmon and seedless watermelon. He still works as a consultant and author, and is currently completing a PhD.
Broadfoot has worked at leading German trade publication Fruchthandel Magazin for 30 years and is credited with bringing the idea of the German Fruit & Vegetable Congress to fruition, as well as being involved in the creation of other major global events. Fruchthandel is part of the Fruitnet Media stable of publications, which also includes Eurofruit, Asiafruit and the Fresh Produce Journal.
Both Borras and Broadfoot thanked Günter Schweinsberg, majority owner of Fruitnet Media, for his support over the years and vision in helping shape the modern German fruit and vegetable industry.
