Chiquita Bananas to be distributed to C-stores throughout North America

23/02/06 Chiquita Brands International, Inc. and Core-Mark International, one of the largest North American distributors to the convenience retail industry, have entered into an arrangement to distribute Chiquita bananas using Landec Corporation's (Nasdaq: LNDC) patented packaging technology to convenience stores (C-stores) throughout the Core-Mark network. After successfully concluding a test at more than 200 C-stores, Chiquita and Core-Mark have a goal to expand the reach of premium Chiquita bananas to more than 5,000 retail locations in dozens of states by year-end.

A joint technology development and supply agreement reached in September 2004 between Chiquita and Landec was a key enabler to this distribution arrangement with Core-Mark. Chiquita is using Landec's patented packaging technology to keep single bananas at the ready-to-eat stage required in immediate-consumption outlets. By extending the shelf life of bananas, new retail locations, such as C-stores, can now offer consistently high-quality Chiquita bananas.

Core-Mark is one of the largest broad-line, full-service wholesale distributors of packaged consumer products to the convenience retail industry in North America. Founded in 1888, Core-Mark provides distribution and logistics services as well as marketing programs to approximately 20,000 retail locations in 38 states and five Canadian provinces through 24 distribution centers. Core-Mark services traditional convenience retailers, grocers, mass merchandisers, drug, liquor and specialty stores, and other stores that carry consumer packaged goods.

Chiquita Brands International, Inc. is a leading international marketer and distributor of high-quality fresh and value-added produce, which is sold under the Chiquita(R) premium brand and related trademarks. The company is one of the largest banana producers in the world and a major supplier of bananas in Europe and North America. In June 2005, Chiquita acquired Fresh Express(R), the U.S. market leader in value-added salads, a fast-growing food category for grocery retailers, foodservice providers and quick-service restaurants.

http://www.prnewswire.co.uk/cgi/news/release?id=164575