Chiquita Sponsors First International Industry Supply Chain Security Conference

CINCINNATI, July 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- To help ensure the safety and security of the international banana supply chain, Chiquita Brands International (NYSE: CQB) recently hosted a Banana Trade Law Enforcement Conference in Antwerp, Belgium.  

"A safe and secure supply chain across the globe is of vital importance to Chiquita's business and the security of the countries in which we operate," said Fernando Aguirre, chairman and chief executive officer.  "It's not just our responsibility to ensure our products move through the supply chain as quickly as possible, but it is also our duty to collaborate with government agencies in securing our ports and the vessels and cargo that travel through them."

This first-ever, privately-sponsored law enforcement conference was developed by Chiquita to facilitate communication between industry partners and law enforcement agencies with the goal of securing the point-to-point security of all shipping vessels.

Director of Chiquita Corporate Security Edmundo Guevara, a former Special Agent with the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), provided industry leadership in coordinating the conference.   With attendees from eight South American and European countries, leaders in banana supply, shipping, and ports as well as leaders in law enforcement collaborated to implement best practices and generate more effective ways to secure the supply chain.  Two dozen key recommendations resulted from the conference as well as a commitment to reconvene in September 2010 to measure their implementation.

The Antwerp conference is the most recent example of Chiquita's leadership and commitment to collaboratively working with government agencies to increase the safety and security of international trade.  Last year, Chiquita attained the coveted "Tier III" certification in the U.S. Government's Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism program which placed it among an elite group of 294 companies out of nearly 10,000 members.  This elite status provides for more timely, effective and efficient physical cargo inspections and reduced border down-time which expedites the release of cargo and increases supply chain efficiencies.  This voluntary partnership with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will strengthen the security of the international supply chain and improve border security.

About Chiquita Brands International, Inc.

Chiquita Brands International, Inc. (NYSE: CQB) is a leading international marketer and distributor of high-quality fresh and value-added food products – from energy-rich bananas and other fruits to nutritious blends of convenient green salads.  The company markets its healthy, fresh products under the Chiquita® and Fresh Express® premium brands and other related trademarks.  With annual revenues of $3.5 billion, Chiquita employs approximately 21,000 people and has operations in nearly 80 countries worldwide.  For more information, please visit our corporate Web site at www.chiquitabrands.com.

SOURCE Chiquita Brands International, Inc.