Planasa has named Gonzalo Artes as its new commercial and marketing director.

The breeding specialist said the appointment would drive forward one of the key areas of the business and help the company achieve its short and long-term goals.

Artes has extensive experience in the fresh produce industry, including a six-year stint as technical and R&D director of soft fruit giant Onubafruit. He has also worked in the citrus industry and holds a degree in citrus management from Florida Southern College.

“Gonzalo’s knowledge of the trade, coupled with his management, planning, organisational and leadership abilities, will be hugely important in helping us to realise the important projects we have lined up for the coming years,” said Planasa’s European managing director, Federico Crespo.

Earlier this year, the company boosted its Asian expansion by acquiring a stake in Yunnan-based Meiming Agricultural Co. The move will allow it to set up a production base in China from which to supply the Chinese and Asian markets with premium fresh raspberries.

Artes will be based at Planasa’s Cartaya office in Huelva.