CEO leaves the fruit marketer immediately, just a week after the company played down speculation his departure was imminent.

Chairman Laus Josef Lutz says early trading in 2013 is "slightly above budget", without giving any further guidance.

In August, the company posted a 2.2% increase in first-half profit and said it was on track to improve its full-year operating result.

The company manages a total of 130ha, comprising 20 orchards, in the area.

Profit rises to $7 million in the six months ended June 30, from $6.9 million a year earlier, and sales increase 1.9% to $478 million.