Unifrutti Group has hired José Antonio Gómez Bazán, the former head of fellow fruit supplier Camposol, as its new CEO.

Gómez Bazán will oversee Unifrutti’s integrated global operations, spanning fruit growing, sourcing, and marketing, the company said yesterday (10 November).

“I look forward to working with our teams to grow from the field up, deepen our partnerships with customers, and continue setting the standard for quality and sustainability in fresh fruit," he said.

He will operate out of the company’s global headquarters in Abu Dhabi, succeeding interim CEO Svet Varadzhakov, who will remain a member of Unifrutti’s board.

Unifrutti had appointed former Kellogg and Pladis executive Mohamed Elsarky as its chief executive in 2023. According to his LinkedIn profile, Elsarky's time at the fruit supplier ended in August and he is now an advisor at US consulting firm Bain & Co.

Gómez Bazán has more than two decades of experience in the international food and fresh produce sector.

He spent 13 years with Peru-based grower and marketer Camposol, holding roles including chief commercial officer and managing director of its international division before becoming CEO in September 2021.

His industry experience also includes board positions at the United Fresh Produce Association and Produce Marketing Association.

In addition, he has been vice chair of the Peruvian Avocado Commission as well as a director of the World Avocado Organization.

Unifrutti manages more than 16,000 hectares of farmland and is a supplier to over 50 countries.

The group has expanded its footprint through a series of acquisitions.

These include the April purchase of Italy-based blood orange producer Fondaco Nuovo alongside the acquisition of Peruvian table grape supplier Safco in December.

In 2024, the company snapped up Chilean fruit supplier and exporter Verfrut. It was followed by purchases of Peruvian peer Bomarea and the local operations of AvoAmerica.