Wealmoor Ltd has announced the passing of its founder and chairman Rati Dhanani. Mr Dhanani established the UK-based exotics specialist in 1973, identifying the potential market for exotic produce in the UK and the need to expand sources outside of Kenya, with the business subsequently growing and evolving rapidly. 'Rati will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by the many and varied people he encountered during his lifetime,' Wealmoor said.
Fedefruta, the official lobbying group for Chile’s fresh fruit growers, has announced that it has elected Antonio Walker Prieto as its new president to succeed the long-serving and outgoing Rodrigo Echeverría. Ramón Achurra Larrain and Andrés Santa Cruz López are the two other newly elected board members, working alongside first vice-president Christián Marin Allendes, second vice-chairman Domingo Romero Cortes, secretary Urzua Felipe Espinosa, treasurer Ismael Valdes Valdes, Francisco Toro Donoso and Mr Echeverría himself.
Italian produce research and marketing organisation, Centro Servizi Ortofrutticoli (CSO), has re-elected Paolo Bruni as president for a fourth term, a position he will hold until 2013. The member Assembly voted for Renzo Piraccini to serve a fourth term as managing director, with Carlo Manzo and Cesare Belló elected as vice-presidents.
Wal-Mart has announced that Andy Clarke has been handed the role of president and chief executive officer at its Asda operation in the UK, a position that he has taken up with immediate effect.
Michael Barker has been appointed as the new editor of the Fresh Produce Journal following a spell as the fresh foods editor at UK food retail industry publication The Grocer.
Ronan Raes has retired from his position as European quality and external affairs director of Antwerp-based fresh produce importer Leon Van Parys (Bonita), following 35 years’ service.
Wes Anderson-Smith, CEO of New Zealand avocado and kiwifruit packer and coolstore operator Satara, resigned from the group on 10 May in order to “pursue other interests”.
