Hamburg-based fresh produce group Port International has announced that chairman Hajo Port died on 18 June after a short illness.
Mr Port, 82, joined the family firm in 1945, transforming the Hamburg-based company into one of Germany's leading fresh fruit and vegetable importers and distributors.
Mr Port focused his activities on the banana business in particular and, among many other things in the banana sector, was involved in a joint venture with Standard Fruit to launch the Dole brand in Germany as well as the first shipments of bananas in cartons.
Mr Port was also very active in trade politics, serving both as a board member of the CIMO organisation for European fresh produce importers as well as Germany's national association, DFHV.
Mr Port, who in 1997 become chairman of Port International, which was founded in 1875 and is now managed by his son Mike, was recognised for his service to the international fresh fruit and vegetable business in the US and Central America, and was also decorated for his services by the Federal Republic of Germany.
