One of the European fresh produce trade’s most experienced commercial operators, Ralf Hörstgen, has joined German importer-marketer Cobana Fruchtring. With effect from 1 January, Mr Hörstgen has taken up the role of sales manager at the Hamburg-based company, which supplies a number of major customers including leading retail operators.
German retailer Edeka has announced the appointment of Adolf Scheck to the position of chairman of the Supervisory Board. Mr Scheck, a long-standing board member at the group, has also held the position of executive chairman at Edeka’s southwest regional company. He was elected to replace Peter Simmel, who had chaired the committee since 2005.
Kevin Moffitt has been handed the role of chairman of the United States Agricultural Export Development Council, the group that facilitates communications between members and the Foreign Agricultural Service. Mr Moffitt, the chairman and CEO of Pear Bureau Northwest, had held the role of vice-chairman since 2007.
Argentina’s leading topfruit supplier Expofrut has undergone a period of restructuring that now sees the group headed up by Cristian Skou and vice-president Carlos Resio. The group’s new marketing team consists of Adolfo Storni (formerly of citrus giant San Miguel), Juan ‘Pancho’ Verel (Kleppe), Enrique Allende (Moño Azul) and Dafne Anghelidis (Maersk).
Italian agricultural body Confagricoltura has elected Rosario Rago as the new president of its Salerno branch, an organisation consisting of over 3,000 members. Mr Rago is currently president of salads specialist Rago Group.
US apple supplier FirstFruits Marketing has announced the appointment of Joe Cozzetto to its sales and marketing team. Mr Cozzetto will work with retail and foodservice accounts for the Washington state company.
Belgian biological pest control specialist Biobest Group has announced the appointment of Dr Felix Wäckers as its new director of research and development and as an executive committee member. Dr Wäckers will continue the work initiated by Dr Herman Van Mellaert.
Marseilles-based container shipping company CMA CGM officially appointed Philippe Soulie as its new CEO on 18 January. During the first meeting of CMA CGM’s recently elected board, directors also named Jacques Saade chairman of the company, which he himself established in 1978.
