Cooperative praises contribution made by its late chairman, who led the business for almost 16 years and championed Dutch growers
Dutch fruit cooperative Royal FruitMasters has paid tribute to its former chairman Gerrit van Haarlem, who has died.
He was chairman of the cooperative from September 1987 to May 2003, during which time he became known as a dedicated advocate for Dutch growers.
“Under his chairmanship, FruitMasters grew into the modern organisation it is today,” said a spokesperson for the group. “He was a true connector, with a warm heart for his members and a keen eye for the future of fruit growing.”
Gerrit was a fruit grower through and through, the spokesperson added. “His love for the trade began at a young age in his father’s orchard. He remained true to that passion throughout his life.”
Those who knew him would apparently know that he never walked through an orchard without his pruning shears. “When I get out of a meeting,” he is quoted as saying with a smile, “I get in the car and drive to the orchard. I can’t walk around with my hands in my pockets.”
In addition to his role as chairman of FruitMasters, he held many other positions within the sector and his local community.
“Yet he always remained close to his roots: the orchard, the fruit, and the growers. During his chairmanship, he tirelessly championed innovation and collaboration. His warm personality, down-to-earth approach, and dedication made him a respected figurehead.”
After leaving in 2003, he was appointed as honorary member of the cooperative, but during his well-deserved retirement he maintained ties with growers. “What could be better than growing a healthy product?” he also once said.
“We remember Gerrit with great gratitude for everything he has done for FruitMasters and its members,” the spokesperson added. “Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones. We wish them strength in coping with this loss.”
