The Chilean arm of US-based fresh produce giant Dole has announced that group president Dino Pruzzo Mazanet passed away in Santiago on Friday 2 January.
Mr Mazanet, 52, had been battling against cancer for nearly two years.
'Dino will always be remembered for his contribution to the Chileanfruit industry and for the enthusiasm and passion he showed for hisjob,' Dole Chile said in a statement. 'He was a leader for many of us,a leader for the Chilean fruit industry and a great leader for the Dolefamily.
'Honesty, respect, tolerance, endurance and love for his family and friends are just some of the distinctive qualities that made Dino such a special person,' the group added.
Andres Luna of Dole Chile noted: 'Dino was a well-known member in the industry and the whole of the Chilean industry knows about this sad news. For us it is a big loss.'
