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November 29, 2011

Chiquita to Relocate Global Headquarters to Charlotte and Create More Than 400 Jobs

North Carolina Governor Beverly Perdue announced today in a press conference at the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce that Chiquita Brands International, Inc. will move their global headquarters from Cincinnati to Charlotte.  Chiquita, a Fortune 1000 company, will create more than 400 jobs with an average wage of over $106,000 and plans to invest $14.1 million in its new Charlotte headquarters facility over the next 5 years. The company is in lease negotiations to locate its headquarters in uptown Charlotte.

“We welcome Chiquita and its global headquarters to Charlotte. Their move, which follows an all-hands-on-deck recruiting effort, serves to further diversify Charlotte’s economy and bring a significant number of high quality jobs,“ said Mayor Anthony Foxx. “Chiquita has a legendary track record of corporate citizenship, and, in addition to its economic impact, we can also look forward to the many ways in which its presence will enhance our quality of life.”

Chiquita Brands is a leading international marketer and distributor of bananas and other high quality produce. Their most notable brands are Chiquita and Fresh Express. One of the world’s most recognizable brands, Chiquita has marketed bananas for more than 100 years.  Fresh Express, a subsidiary of Chiquita, is the nation’s number one salad producer with a forty percent retail market share.

“Charlotte provided the most compelling economic offer to lower our long-term operating costs and the region is an attractive community for our employees,” said Fernando Aguirre, chairman and chief executive officer. “Importantly, the Charlotte airport provides improved access to international markets, customers and Chiquita operations around the world.” 

Chiquita’s mission is to improve world nutrition by expanding the availability and consumption of healthy fruits and vegetables, to make it easier for people to choose nutritious foods.  With annual revenues of more than $3 billion, Chiquita employs more than 21,000 people across the world and has operations in nearly 70 countries worldwide.

“Chiquita’s relocation of its corporate headquarters will be transformational.  This is a global company with an iconic brand that is recognized around the world,” said Bob Morgan, Charlotte chamber President. “Chiquita’s decision affirms that Charlotte’s favorable cost of doing business, our diverse and growing workforce and our transportation infrastructure, most especially the airport, are in fact competitive advantages.  These are good and high paying jobs.  We welcome those who will be relocating and are grateful for those jobs that will be filled by Charlotte citizens.”

Cristy Nine, Patrick McCoy and Ralph Oldham with Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer are representing Chiquita in lease negotiations.

The Charlotte Chamber would like to thank Governor Beverly Perdue, N.C. Department of Commerce, N.C. Community Colleges, Mecklenburg County, City of Charlotte, Charlotte Center City Partners, Duke Energy and Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer  for their assistance and support to this important project.

Bob Morgan, Mayor Anthony Foxx, Kati Hynes (front), Jennifer Roberts, Fernando Aguirre, N.C. Gov. Bev Perdue, Pat Rodgers, Hugh McColl

Click here to read the official Chiquita company release.

Click here to read the NC Department of Commerce release.

Information on job opportunities at Chiquita Brands International can be found at: www.chiquita.com.
 
For all other inquiries:

Charlotte Chamber | 330 South Tryon Street | Charlotte, NC 28202 | 704.378.1300 | www.charlottechamber.com

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