Chiquita Unveils Nogal Collection

By Chiquita Brands International Inc., PRNE
Sunday, April 3, 2011

CINCINNATI, April 4, 2011 - Chiquita Brands (NYSE: CQB) today unveiled the Nogal Collection
exclusively at the Chiquita online store at www.ChiquitaStore.com. The
Nogal Collection debuts recycled products produced by all-female
microbusiness - Manos Creativas ("Creative Hands") - in Costa Rica, part of a
Chiquita-supported corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative to
develop independent sources of revenue in the communities near the Nogal
Nature and Community Project.

"It is our pleasure to present these handcrafted, earth-friendly
products," said Manuel Rodriguez, Chiquita senior vice president, government
and international affairs and corporate responsibility officer. "Most
significantly, these products are the inspiration and work of an all-female
microenterprise who are beneficiaries of all sales. While there is more yet
to be achieved in fostering sustainable enterprises, we are honored to
collaborate with Manos Creativas and offer their remarkable work to consumers
everywhere."

"Our products are recycled and contain the essence of the Costa Rican
forest; we are taking waste and turning it into works of art," said Luzania
Alfaro
, Manos Creativas business partner. "Our participation in Manos
Creativas helps us be an example for our children. Through our products we
convey a message of conservation, improvement and innovation for a better
quality of life."

The Nogal Collection features natural fibers from banana leaves, organic
and paper waste lovingly crafted into functional works of art by the women of
Manos Creativas in Sarapiqui, Costa Rica. Founded in 2004 as a microbusiness
initiative supported by the Nogal Nature and Community Project, the program
focused on training female entrepreneurs to generate additional revenue
opportunities. Visitors to the Chiquita online store will see a profile on
each woman who developed the product they are purchasing
www.ow.ly/4oXOU.

Nogal Nature and Community Project in Costa Rica

Chiquita has collaborated with partners including the Swiss retailer
Migros, the Rainforest Alliance and the German Technical Cooperation Agency
(GTZ) to create the Nogal Nature and Community Project. Established in 2004,
the goals of the Nogal Nature and Community Project are to promote the
long-term conservation of biodiversity in protected forests and restored
habitats within biological corridors, promote environmental awareness through
education, and involve the cooperation of local communities and institutions
in the development of sustainable initiatives.

The region of Sarapiqui, where the Nogal Wildlife Refuge is located, is
one of the most biodiverse in Costa Rica. Studies carried out at La Selva
Biological Station have identified the presence of at least 2,100 species of
diurnal butterflies, 414 bird species (nearly half of the country's total),
119 species of mammals, 48 amphibians and 87 reptile species, and more than
2,000 species of plants.

As part of the Nogal Project's objectives, six microbusinesses were
organized, including Manos Creativas, in the nearby communities surrounding
the Refuge, in order to promote additional income opportunities for the
beneficiaries directly involved, as well as to their families and
communities.

Costa Rican President and Nobel Peace Prize recipient Oscar Arias
presented Chiquita with the 2006 Contribution to the Community Award on
behalf of the American-Costa Rican Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in
recognition of the Nogal Nature and Community Project; this award was created
to honor companies positively impacting their surroundings and investing in
environmental improvements for their employees and the community. In
addition, the Nogal Nature and Community Project has won the Blue Ecological
Flag Award presented yearly by the Costa Rican government, consecutively from
2007 through 2010, in recognition of demonstrated environmental commitment,
compliance and improvement of natural spaces. To see more information on
Chiquita's CSR initiatives visit:
www.chiquitabrands.com/CorporateCommitment/CorporateCommitment.aspx.

About Chiquita Brands International, Inc.

Chiquita Brands International, Inc. 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 more than $3 billion, Chiquita employs approximately 21,000
people and has operations in nearly 70 countries worldwide. For more
information, please visit www.chiquitabrands.com.

Ed Loyd, +1-513-784-8935, eloyd at chiquita.com, or Heather Higdon, +1-513-784-8357, hhigdon at chiquita.com

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