Miami, FL, February 18, 2014 – Quirch Foods®, one of the largest distributors of food products in the Southeastern U.S. and the Caribbean, is excited to announce a licensing agreement with Chiquita Brands to sell Chiquita™ frozen Maduros (Ripe Plantains), Tostones (Green Plantains), Yuca (Cassava) and Fruit Pulp (for Juice and Smoothies).

Staying true to Chiquita’s tradition of offering high quality produce, these Chiquita™ frozen foods are made with 100% natural ingredients and contain no artificial flavors or preservatives. The Chiquita products will be offered in innovative packaging and will be supported by strong point of sale and marketing efforts. Available at grocery stores this summer, Quirch will offer these products for sale in the U.S. and Puerto Rico.
Chiquita is a leader in the global distribution of bananas with one of the most recognized produce brands. “It’s a brand with equity and value to retailers and consumers alike. Households trust it…Retailers know it performs,” said Jorge Roza, Quirch Foods Marketing Manager.
With nearly 100% consumer brand recognition, Quirch aims to market these products to a broader demographic. “Adding the Chiquita™ brand to our products will raise awareness of the category on a national level providing endless possibilities,” said Frank Grande, Vice President of Sales, Quirch Foods.
“Quirch shares many of our core values and commitment to community service. We’re pleased to enter this category with the all-natural, quality product offerings by Quirch,” said Robert Stallman, Vice President of Marketing and Global Licensing, Chiquita.
The license was brokered by Chiquita’s licensing agency, Beanstalk.
About Quirch Foods:
Quirch Foods is headquartered in Miami, with additional offices and distribution facilities in Orlando, Atlanta, Puerto Rico and Chicago. Quirch has combined over 700,000 square feet of refrigerated inventory and a fleet of more than 200 refrigerated trucks servicing its customers throughout the U.S. For more information, visit www.quirchfoods.com.
About Chiquita Brands International, Inc.:
Chiquita Brands International, Inc. (NYSE: CQB) is a leading international marketer and distributor of nutritious, high-quality fresh and value-added food products,  from energy-rich bananas, blends of convenient green salads and other fruits to healthy snacking products. The company markets its healthy, fresh products under the Chiquita® and Fresh Express® premium brands and other related trademarks. With annual revenues of more than $3 billion, Chiquita employs approximately 20,000 people and has operations in nearly 70 countries worldwide. For more information, visit www.chiquita.com.

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