Chiquita Brands International Inc. (CQB)

[Homard]

Chiquita Brands International Elects Kerrii B. Anderson to Board of Directors

Former Wendy's Executive Adds Depth and Management Experience to Board



CINCINNATI, March 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Chiquita Brands International, Inc. (NYSE: CQB) today announced that the board of directors has elected Kerrii B. Anderson, 51, effective April 1, 2009. At that time, the size of the board will increase from eight to nine members. Anderson, who brings significant management experience in finance, accounting and executive leadership, will also serve as a member of the company's audit committee.

"We are proud to welcome Kerrii to Chiquita's board," said Fernando Aguirre, chairman and chief executive officer. "Her leadership and extensive skills in executing a strategic business transformation will enhance an already strong group of independent board members whose vision and expertise continue to advance Chiquita's sustainable growth strategy."

"Chiquita is an exciting company with two powerful, trusted brands," said Anderson. "I look forward to bringing my experience to Chiquita's board and working with the management team to build shareholder value."

Anderson most recently served as chief executive officer and president of Wendy's International, Inc., a restaurant operating and franchising company, from 2006 to September 2008, when Wendy's merged with Triarc Companies, Inc. to form Wendy's/Arby's Group Inc. From 2000 to 2006, she served as Wendy's executive vice president and chief financial officer. Previously, Anderson served as senior vice president and chief financial officer of M/I Schottenstein Homes, Inc. from 1987 to 2000.

A certified public accountant, Anderson is also a director of Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings, and is a member of the finance committee of Ohio Health and of the finance and audit committee of The Columbus Foundation. She also serves as a member of the board of trustees of Elon University.

In addition to Aguirre and Anderson, the board currently includes: Howard W. Barker Jr., former partner of KPMG LLP; William H. Camp, former executive of the Archer Daniels Midland Company; Robert W. Fisher, a private investor with more than 35 years senior management experience at various banana companies; Clare M. Hasler, executive director of the Robert Mondavi Institute for Wine and Food Science at the University of California at Davis; Durk I. Jager, former chairman, president and chief executive officer at the Procter & Gamble Co.; Jaime Serra, senior partner of Serra Associates International, a consulting firm in law and economics, and Mexico's former secretary of finance and secretary of trade and industry; and Steven P. Stanbrook, president, developing markets platform at S.C. Johnson & Son, 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 $4 billion, Chiquita employs approximately 23,000 people and has operations in more than 90 countries worldwide. For more information, please visit our web site at www.chiquita.com.

Website: http://www.chiquita.com/