Miguel González, the former head of Dutch importer Hispa, is apparently poised to make a notable return to the fresh produce business with the launch of a new import company based just across the road from his previous employer.
According to information registered with the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce, the company is called Miguel González Fruit.
Eurofruit understands the company’s headquarters will be located at the 13 Donk site in Barendrecht, the former home of Hispa Easten Europe, which merged with Alexport in July 2013 to form Staay-Export, and Royal Van Namen, which was wound up in 2009 after it went bankrupt.
González’ daughter Maaike González Groenewegen, who has previously worked for Cultivar in Barcelona, Spain, and Roveg Fruit in Waddinxveen, the Netherlands, has also joined the new venture as commercial manager.
González himself was chairman and chief executive of Dutch supplier Hispa Fruit & Vegetables for more than 24 years before selling his 30 per cent share in the business to the Staay Food Group in the spring of 2013.
While he remained affiliated with Staay Food Group as a consultant and ambassador, he opted to step down from his dual role.
Prior to joining Hispa, González worked for eight years as import-export manager for Spain and South America at Hagé International.
Staay Group now has 100 per cent ownership of Hispa, with both companies now operating under the name of Staay-Hispa.
