Chiquita Brands International, Inc. today announced the release its first Corporate Responsibility Report, which offers a comprehensive assessment of the Company’s environmental, social and financial performance, focusing on its banana sourcing operations in Latin America, which employ over 20,000 people, or two-thirds of the Company’s workforce.

"The release of this 2000 Corporate Responsibility Report is a milestone in Chiquita’s commitment to leadership in Corporate Responsibility, and it signals a spirit of openness in the Company’s communication with stakeholders about issues of social and environmental concern," said Steven G. Warshaw, President and Chief Executive Officer of Chiquita. "Written primarily for employees, but also addressing the interests of other stakeholders, the Report lays out the Company’s Corporate Responsibility strategy, measurements of its performance to date, and its goals for the future."

This Report details the Company’s performance in relation to its Core Values, the 100% certification of its Company-owned farms in Latin America to the environmental and social standards of the Rainforest Alliance’s Better Banana Project, and the degree of its compliance with the international labor standard Social Accountability 8000 (SA8000). The Report presents an overview of the Company’s financial performance and the recent settlement of the EU/U.S. banana trade dispute. It also includes four case studies on environmental and social issues in the banana industry.

"In late 1998, as part of our ongoing social and environmental efforts, we undertook a formal commitment to Corporate Responsibility. We have published this Report as a signal of our progress," said Jeff Zalla, Corporate Responsibility Officer and Vice President, Corporate Communications of Chiquita. "We are proud of our performance, of the depth and transparency in our reporting, and of having established this benchmark for our industry."

NOTES:

Chiquita is a leading international marketer, producer and distributor of quality fresh fruits and vegetables and processed foods.
The Report and additional information about Chiquita’s Corporate Responsibility efforts are available for search and download on our website, www.chiquita.com.

Chiquita Brands International, Inc.

Chiquita Brands International, Inc.

Chiquita

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