Chiquita Brands International, Inc., announced today that it has been named Wal-Mart's Environmental Supplier of the Year. Wal-Mart presents the annual award to recognize one supplier worldwide that is "making positive strides in providing environmentally sensitive products and/or implementing innovative environmental practices."

"We're very pleased with this recognition of our commitment to environmental leadership," said Fred Heptinstall, Executive VP, Chiquita Fresh North America. "Chiquita is the only global banana company to have achieved the strict, voluntary environmental and social standards of the Rainforest Alliance's Better Banana Project (BBP)."

The BBP is the most rigorous environmental certification program in the banana industry, and Chiquita has now achieved BBP certification on 100 percent of its Company-owned farms in Latin America.
Today, Rainforest Alliance BBP-certified bananas make up more than 90 percent of Chiquita's total volume to Europe and approximately two-thirds of the volume to North America. The BBP's nine standards for farm assessment and certification include:
· Ecosystem Conservation
· Wildlife Conservation
· Fair Treatment of and Good Conditions for Workers
· Good Community Relations
· Minimal, Strictly Managed Use of Agrichemicals
· Integrated Management of Waste
· Conservation of Water Resources
· Soil Conservation
· Environmental Planning & Monitoring

Each of Chiquita's owned farms are audited against these standards annually by a group of environmental conservation organizations, the Conservation Agriculture Network, coordinated by the Rainforest Alliance.

In selecting Chiquita for this award, Wal-Mart's Environmental Committee recognized Chiquita for its record of "extraordinary environmental and social progress in Central America, one of the world's most sensitive and unique ecosystems," as well as for its "brand recognition, environmental responsibility, human rights advocacy, and worldwide credentials for stewardship." Wal-Mart also recognized Chiquita's commitment to the Better Banana Project as a compelling effort "to make a better world for citizens, workers, and consumers, including our Wal-Mart customers."

Chiquita is a leading international marketer, producer and distributor of quality fresh fruits and vegetables and processed foods. For more information, visit www.chiquita.com.
Chiquita®. Quite Possibly, the World's Perfect Food®.

Chiquita Brands International, Inc.

Chiquita Brands International, Inc.

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