Chiquita Joins USDA MyPlate Program as Strategic Partner

Chiquita Brands has signed on as a national strategic partner with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Nutrition Communicator's Network. This network is designed to mobilize and coordinate partner communications at both a national and community level, promoting the Dietary Guidelines and the new food icon, MyPlate, released in June 2011 by USDA's Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion (CNPP) and First Lady Michelle Obama.

Chiquita is among the first national produce companies to join the network. As a partner, Chiquita will work to promote MyPlate and the Dietary Guidelines messaging efforts to help consumers think differently about their food choices.

"As part of Chiquita's commitment to improving world nutrition, we are proud to partner with USDA to promote healthier diets," said Fernando Aguirre, chairman and CEO. "The MyPlate program and the 'Make Half Your Plate Fruits and Vegetables' message makes it easier than ever for consumers to understand how to make healthier food choices and maintain well-balanced diets. We look forward to working together to help advance better nutrition."

Chiquita's mission to Improve World Nutrition aligns strongly with the mission of CNPP and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. As a new USDA national strategic partner, Chiquita will promote product nutrition information based upon the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, disseminate CNPP's Dietary Guidelines messages, and participate in CNPP sessions to develop and execute a joint strategic nutrition promotion plan.

Chiquita will place the MyPlate icon on its healthy snacking products in North America. Later this year, the Chiquita Bites line will be the first to carry the MyPlate icon including Apple Bites, Grape Bites and Pineapple Bites.

Chiquita Brands International Inc. is a leading international marketer and distributor of fresh and value-added food products.