Ronald Bown Fernández, who led Chile's fruit exporters association for more than three decades, died on Thursday at the age of 80 from cancer.
Bown led the Asociación de Exportadores de Frutas de Chile, now known as Frutas de Chile, from 1990 until 2022. The current association, presided over by Iván Marambio, highlighted his vision and commitment that helped position Chile as one of the world's leading exporters of fresh fruit.
Sociedad Nacional de Agricultura president Antonio Walker said Bown was a key figure in the development of Chile's export and agro-food sector. Current Agriculture Minister Jaime Campos expressed regret over the loss and recalled his role in opening international markets.
Bown, a commercial engineer, had seven children, including Carol Bown, mayor of San Miguel. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Confederación de la Producción y del Comercio also conveyed their condolences on his death.
