Andreas Allenspach

Andreas Allenspach

One of Europe's leading fresh produce buyers is set to join Dutch fresh produce group Van Rijn at the start of July.

Andreas Allenspach, currently lead category manager for fruit and vegetables at the Federation of Migros Cooperatives in Zurich, Switzerland, is due to take a sabbatical at the end of January before taking up a new role as managing director of Van Rijn Trading.

Based in Poeldijk, Mr Allenspach will be head up Van Rijn's fresh fruit and vegetable business and, according to Van Rijn CEO Aad van der Windt, should contribute a great amount of expertise to the company's operations thanks to his many years of experience in the business.

'Officially he will start his job at the beginning of July, but he will be already involved in the activities of Van Rijn earlier and he will be present at Fruit Logistica in Berlin in February,' Mr Van der Windt revealed.

Mr Allenspach's appointment is also seen as key to pushing forward the division's development and expansion of the Van Rijn Group worldwide.

'This major step also confirms that 155 year-old Van Rijn is determined to continue to develop its role as a global service provider in fruit and veg,' Mr Van der Windt added.