Dole is to shake up to its fresh fruit operations in Northern Europe to better focus on its different product lines and boost growth.

The reorganisation will result in the creation of two new divisions - the Tropical Fruit Division will focus on bananas and pineapples and will be headed up by Oliver Engelken, previously business director for North Europe.

Leon van Biljon - previously business manager of the deciduous division at Dole South Africa - will take charge of the new Diversified Fruit Division, encompassing deciduous, citrus, berries and exotics.

"Our new organisation will bring our best knowledge and service closer to our customers," said Dole Europe president Johan Linden.

Earlier this month, The Grocer reported that Dole Fresh UK's 2010 pre-tax profits had increased by 59.4%, to £1.2m, compared with 2009.