Chiquita Shipping Services to Continue Uninterrupted Following Eastwind Bankruptcy Filing

CINCINNATI -

Chiquita Brands International, Inc. (NYSE: CQB) today announced that it does not expect the bankruptcy filing by Eastwind Maritime Inc. and certain of its affiliates to adversely affect service to Chiquita’s customers and the delivery of its bananas and other fresh fruit products. All of the 12 oceangoing ships that the company sold in 2007 remain under long-term charter to Chiquita, including the four ships sold to Eastwind.

“We are taking appropriate steps to protect Chiquita’s interests under these long-term charters,” said Waheed Zaman, senior vice president, product supply organization. “While Chiquita’s shipping operations represent only a comparatively small part of Eastwind’s business, we have been monitoring developments closely and are working with the other parties involved in the chartering relationships to help assure ongoing and timely service to our customers.”

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(R) and Fresh Express(R) premium brands and other related trademarks. With annual revenues of nearly US$4 billion, Chiquita employs approximately 23,000 people and has operations in more than 80 countries worldwide. For more information, please visit our web site at www.chiquita.com.

Source: Chiquita Brands International, Inc.

Ed Loyd of Chiquita Brands International, Inc., +1-513-784-8935, eloyd at chiquita.com