Chiquita's Fresh Express Announces Launch of New Salad Kit Program

CINCINNATI, Sept. 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Fresh Express®, a fully owned subsidiary of Chiquita Brands International, Inc. (NYSE: CQB), announced today the launch of its new convenience-focused value-added salad Kits program.  As consumers increasingly demand new and flavorful salad options, Fresh Express has launched a unique program to meet their needs for complete and delicious salad meals.

"Continuously developing new, fresh and flavorful salad meals for our consumers is at the core of our mission at Fresh Express," said Brian Kocher, president of Chiquita North America.  "Whether it's a classic Caesar or our new delicately sweet flavored, limited time only Strawberry Fields Kit, Fresh Express is providing consumers what they want most – fresh, delicious salad meals ready in seconds."

Now available nationwide, six new Fresh Express Kits join the already popular offerings.  New Kits include House Ranch, House Italian and for consumers seeking to add a healthy source of protein to their salad meal, Chicken Caesar and Chicken Taco Kits.  Moreover, Fresh Express is now enticing consumers with its first specialty salad program with the debut of two new limited time only Kits: Strawberry Fields, available now on store shelves, and beginning in January 2011, Pear Gorgonzola.  Two additional limited time only salad Kits will debut next year as well.

The new salad Kits, along with classic kit options, now showcase easier to read package designs drawing fresh attention to the kits category in the grocery aisle.  Additionally, the Kits program further engages consumers with new instantly redeemable on-pack coupons and in-pack savings in specially chosen Kits.  These new consumer engagement tools, supplemented with national television and radio advertising, draw purchasers to FreshExpress.com, where they can learn more about Kits and earn the opportunity to win prizes such as Fresh Express Kits for a year (one per week – 52 Kits total).  For more information about Fresh Express Kits, please visit www.freshexpress.com/kits.

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 23,000 people and has operations in nearly 80 countries worldwide.  For more information, please visit www.chiquitabrands.com.

SOURCE Chiquita Brands International, Inc.