U.S.: Chiquita reaches deal with Quirch Foods
Miami-based Quirch Foods has reached a licensing arrangement with Chiquita Brands International (NYSE: CQB) to sell a range of frozen items from the produce multinational.
As one of the leading food distributors in the southeastern U.S. and the Caribbean, Quirch said the deal meant it could sell Chiquita's frozen Maduros (ripe plantains), Tostones (green plantains), Yuca (cassavas) and Fruit Pulp (for juice and smoothies).
Quirch executives praised Chiquita's reputation, which will help in its bid to sell the products - made with 100% natural ingredients - to U.S. and Puerto Rican customers.
"It’s a brand with equity and value to retailers and consumers alike. Households trust it…Retailers know it performs," Quirch Foods marketing manager Jorge Roza saind in a release.
"Adding the Chiquitaâ„¢ brand to our products will raise awareness of the category on a national level providing endless possibilities," added Quirch's VP of sales Frank Grande.
Chiquit'as VP of marketing and global licensing, Robert Stallman, said he was happy with the agreement.
"Quirch shares many of our core values and commitment to community service. We’re pleased to enter this category with the all-natural, quality product offerings by Quirch," he said.