Gert Mulder Frugi Venta

Dutch fresh produce export association Frugi Venta has confirmed that Gert Mulder will take over as director of the group from 1 August 2011.

Mulder succeeds Willem Baljeu, who is stepping down as Frugi Venta boss after a decade at the helm.

According to Frugi Venta, Mulder has plenty of experience in the Dutch horticultural sector, having studied at the University of Wageningen and gone on to work at the University of Groningen, the national Plant Protection Service and flower trading specialist Waterdrinker Group, where he was responsible for marketing.

Frugi Venta chairman Cees den Hollander said he was very happy with Mulder's appointment.

'Gert Mulder has again and again throughout the course of his career proved that he is a very results-oriented worker and is able to rely on his particular strengths in marketing and innovation management,' Den Hollander said.

Willem Baljeu is due to retire at the beginning of September, thus ensuring there is a handover period of four weeks.