Frutas de Chile mourns Ronald Bown Fernández
Frutas de Chile mourns Ronald Bown Fernández
Ronald Bown Fernández, the historic president of Frutas de Chile who led the organization for more than three decades, has died.
A towering figure in the Chilean fruit industry, Mr. Bown led with vision, generosity and an unwavering commitment to the sector. Through his leadership, Chile became one of the world’s leading exporters of fresh fruit, internationally recognized for its quality, reliability and excellence. He was a tireless advocate for producers and exporters, and at the same time, a deeply respected and approachable leader known for his integrity and dedication to the common good.
Mr. Bown also played a pivotal role in fostering dialogue and building consensus between the public and private sectors, helping to strengthen a shared vision for Chile’s economic development. His ability to bring people together and his constant willingness to seek common ground contributed significantly to the advancement of policies, regulations and long-term strategies that positioned the fruit industry as one of the most important sectors of the Chilean economy.
Firmly convinced that sustainable growth could only be achieved through collaboration, he championed an institutional approach founded on trust, cooperation and collective effort among government authorities, producers, exporters and local communities. His leadership extended far beyond the fruit sector itself, making him a benchmark for how constructive dialogue and public-private collaboration can contribute to national development and strengthen Chile’s position on the global stage.
Today, Chile’s fruit export industry stands as a reflection of his enduring legacy — an example of commitment, vision and leadership that inspired generations and continues to guide our work every day.
"To his family, friends, colleagues and the entire fruit industry community, we extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences," said Iván Marambio Castaño, president of Frutas de Chile. "We mourn his passing with great sadness and remain profoundly grateful for all that he gave to our industry and our country."
