The world's largest fresh produce supplier, Dole Food Company, has announced plans to strengthen its business in northern Europe by dividing its operations into two distinct areas.
In a move reminiscent of the recent demerger of Total Produce from Fyffes in Ireland, Dole Fresh Fruit Europe will now operate as two independently managed divisions, one for tropicals such as bananas and pineapples and one for other items, including citrus, berries, deciduous fruit and exotics.
Dole Europe's tropicals division is set to be headed up by Oliver Engelken, currently Dole's business director in northern Europe, while the general produce division will be led by Leon van Biljon, who has been with Dole South Africa – most recently as its business manager for deciduous fruit.
'This has clearly strengthened Dole's northern European head office operation,' commented Johan Lindén, president of Dole Europe.
'The changes are a response both to anticipated growth in our activities as well as to the continuing need for increased focus on each of our product lines,' he added.
'The new structure will bring the best of our knowhow and services even closer to the customer.'
