CINCINNATI, September 12 /PRNewswire/ --

Chiquita Brands International, Inc. (NYSE: CQB) today issued the
following statement from Fernando Aguirre, chairman and chief executive
officer, in response to the sentencing memorandum filed today by the U.S.
Department of Justice (DOJ) regarding the previously disclosed investigation
of protection payments made by the company's former banana-producing
subsidiary in Colombia.

"Chiquita is pleased that the DOJ has formally recommended that the
    U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia approve the previously
    announced plea agreement entered into between the company and the
    Justice Department last March.

    Chiquita is also pleased that the government has decided not to
    prosecute any current or former company executives in connection with
    its investigation. We believe this is the right decision and one that
    reflects the good faith efforts of the company -- and its officers,
    directors and employees -- to address a very difficult situation
    involving the lives and safety of our employees.

    In recommending final approval of the plea agreement, the government
    credited the company for both its voluntary disclosure and its
    'significant' cooperation throughout the entire investigation.

    This agreement is in the best interests of the company and reflects a
    responsible resolution to a difficult dilemma faced by the company
    several years ago.

    Chiquita looks forward to putting this difficult chapter behind it, and
    remains committed to the highest standards of corporate responsibility,
    ethical conduct and legal compliance, in the United States and around
    the world."



Under the terms of the agreement, the company will pay a fine of US$25
million, payable in five annual installments. As previously disclosed, the
company recorded a reserve in 2006 for the full amount of the fine in
anticipation of reaching an agreement. The company does not anticipate that
the fine will impact its ability to operate its business.

About Chiquita Brands International, Inc.

With annual revenues of approximately US$4.5 billion, 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's products and services are designed to win the hearts
and smiles of the world's consumers by helping them enjoy healthy fresh
foods. The company markets its products under the Chiquita(R) and Fresh
Express(R) premium brands and other related trademarks. Chiquita employs
approximately 25,000 people operating in more than 70 countries worldwide.
For more information, please visit our web site at www.chiquita.com.

Web site: http://www.chiquita.com