Exhibiting at International Food & Drink Event (IFE) 2025

Chiquita Europe B.V., UK Branch, represents the regional operations of Chiquita Brands International in the United Kingdom, with a key distribution base in Sheerness. As part of one of the world’s most iconic fruit companies, Chiquita Europe B.V. is instrumental in supplying the UK market with premium bananas and tropical fruit products while upholding the brand's commitment to sustainability, quality, and ethical sourcing. Operating under the globally recognized Chiquita brand, the UK branch plays a vital role in bridging European consumer demand with high-quality produce sourced from Central and South America.

Core Business

Chiquita Europe B.V., UK Branch, is focused on the importation, ripening, and distribution of bananas and pineapples for major retailers, wholesalers, and foodservice providers across the UK. The branch supports the full value chain—from port logistics and cold storage to banana ripening and last-mile delivery.

The company operates within a vertically integrated supply model, working in tandem with Chiquita’s farming operations, shipping fleet, ripening centers, and sustainability teams to deliver consistent, high-grade fruit.

Product and Service Offerings

Chiquita’s UK portfolio includes:

• Fresh Bananas:

  • Chiquita Class Extra: Premium bananas selected for size, quality, and consistency
  • Chiquita Organic: Grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers
  • Chiquita Minis: Smaller-sized bananas ideal for portion control and children
  • Chiquita Plantains: Cooking bananas used in ethnic cuisines
  • Chiquita Manzanos: Apple bananas with a tangy-sweet flavor
  • Chiquita Reds: Red-skinned bananas with a unique, creamy taste

• Pineapples:

  • Chiquita Sunburst Gold Pineapples: Naturally sweet, golden-fleshed pineapples

These products are available through major UK retailers, including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, ASDA, and wholesale distributors for foodservice and hospitality.

Specialisation and USP

Chiquita stands out through:

• Consistent Premium Quality: Strict post-harvest handling and quality control standards
• Sustainability Leadership: Longstanding environmental and social compliance frameworks
• Traceability: Full supply chain visibility from plantation to shelf
• Brand Equity: One of the most recognizable fruit brands globally, with the iconic Blue Sticker

The UK branch aligns closely with EU and UK food safety regulations and participates in Chiquita’s global sustainability commitments.

Financial Strength

Chiquita Brands International, the parent company, is owned by the Cutrale-Safra Group and reported over $3 billion in global annual revenues (pre-privatization estimates). While the UK branch does not publish separate financial data, it is a critical node in Chiquita’s European network, which spans:

• Over 20 ripening and distribution centers across Europe
• UK banana market share of over 15% according to Eurostat import data
• Long-term contracts with top-tier UK retailers

The Sheerness port facility enhances logistical efficiency and reduces carbon footprint through direct docking and inland distribution.

Shipment and Export Records

Based on import/export data:

• Chiquita ships tens of thousands of containers annually into Europe via specialized refrigerated vessels
• The UK receives weekly shipments directly from Latin America through the Sheerness port
• Each container can carry approximately 1,080 banana boxes, translating to millions of bananas distributed annually in the UK market

Chiquita’s fleet includes branded vessels equipped for speed, controlled ripening, and minimal spoilage.

Target Market

Chiquita Europe B.V., UK Branch, targets:

• Retail Chains: Delivering to leading supermarkets with high-volume, ready-to-sell fruit
• Wholesalers & Distributors: Serving hospitality, convenience stores, and independent retailers
• Foodservice Operators: Including hotels, airlines, schools, and institutional caterers
• Health-conscious Consumers: Through organic and specialty banana varieties

The company also engages with CSR programs, nutrition education, and retail promotions to increase consumer awareness and brand loyalty.

Capabilities

• Integrated Ripening Facility: At Sheerness port with advanced temperature and humidity control
• Cold Chain Logistics: Ensures product freshness across the entire distribution path
• QA and Compliance: In-house teams verify standards against GlobalG.A.P., Rainforest Alliance, and EU MRLs
• Collaborative Innovation: Works with retailers on sustainable packaging, point-of-sale materials, and digital traceability

Certifications and Compliance

• Rainforest Alliance Certified farms
• GlobalG.A.P. Certified production systems
• Sedex Member for ethical trade and supplier transparency
• BRCGS Certified logistics and ripening centers
• Compliance with DEFRA and EU food safety legislation

Chiquita is also committed to Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) for climate goals and publishes regular Sustainability Reports.

Customer Testimonials

“Chiquita bananas have been a top-seller for years. Their supply is consistent, and the branding really resonates with customers.”
– UK Grocery Category Manager

“Their Sheerness operation is one of the most efficient fruit distribution hubs we've worked with.”
– Logistics Partner, UK Produce Distributor

Major Achievements

• Reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 29% from owned farms since 2013 (Chiquita Sustainability Report 2023)
• 100% Rainforest Alliance Certification of owned farms
• Innovator in Blue Sticker Campaigns, leveraging digital QR engagement and origin tracking
• Exclusive supplier for banana promotions with multiple major UK retailers
• Successfully launched “Behind the Blue Sticker” transparency initiative

Chiquita Europe B.V., UK Branch, continues to lead the fresh produce sector by combining heritage branding with modern sustainability practices and precision-driven distribution. As part of a globally integrated network, the branch plays a vital role in delivering one of the UK’s favorite fruits with consistency, integrity, and innovation.