CINCINNATI, OH – SustainableBusiness.com, publisher of The Progressive Investor newsletter, has named Chiquita Brands International, Inc. (NYSE: CQB) to its list of the world’s top 20 sustainable stock picks, known as the SB20, for the second year in a row. To develop its list, SustainableBusiness.com asked leading investment advisors to recommend companies that stand out as the world leaders in terms of both sustainability and financial strength.

“Our goal is to create a list that showcases the top companies leading the way to a sustainable society,” said Dr. Rona Fried, chief executive officer of SustainableBusiness.com and editor of The Progressive Investor. “Chiquita is making great strides and is working its way higher on the list.”

“We’re thrilled to be recognized again as a leading stock for socially responsible investors,” said Cyrus Freidheim, Chiquita’s chairman and CEO. “We’re deeply committed to corporate responsibility, not simply as an element of strategy, but because it’s the right thing to do. Corporate responsibility at Chiquita means living our core values, achieving high environmental, social and ethical standards, and balancing the interests of our stakeholders.”

The SB20 judges are advisors of leading firms dedicated to socially responsible investing, including Eric Becker, vice president and portfolio manager, Trillium Asset Management; Terry Foecke, principal, Materials Productivity; Carsten Henningsen, co-founder and principal, Portfolio 21; Patrick McVeigh, vice president, investment research, Lowell, Blake & Associates; and Jack Robinson, managing director, Winslow Management Co.

These judges selected companies based on two primary criteria: those that demonstrate a clear understanding and commitment to sustainable business practices or those with a product line that is integral to the transition to a sustainable society. The companies that made the SB20 list had to show exceptional leadership and strong financial performance.

In Chiquita’s case, the judges cited the company’s commitment to leading independent standards, particularly the Rainforest Alliance’s environmental standards and Social Accountability International’s SA8000 labor standards. The judges also noted the company’s strong management team and its improved financial position since emerging from bankruptcy in March 2002.

The Progressive Investor is a monthly financial newsletter published by SustainableBusiness.com. Each issue draws on a group of world-class sustainable investment analysts for their insights and opinions on viable investments in the “green” business sector. For more information on the SB20, visit www.sustainablebusiness.com.

Chiquita Brands International is a leading global marketer, producer and distributor of high-quality fresh and processed foods. The company’s Chiquita Fresh division is one of the largest banana producers in the world and a major supplier of bananas in North America and Europe. Sold primarily under the premium Chiquita® brand, the company also distributes and markets a variety of other fresh fruits and vegetables. For more information, visit the company’s web site at www.chiquita.com.

Chiquita Brands International, Inc.

Chiquita Brands International, Inc.

Chiquita

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