Chiquita Circle of Excellence award

CEO Fernando Aguirre is handed the award by Congressowman Jean Schmidt

Chiquita Brands International has been rewarded for its dedication to environmental sustainability in receiving the 2009 Circle of Excellence Award, a prestigious recognition of corporate social responsibility initiatives and environmental protection.

The award, which is handed out by the Distribution Business Management Association (DBMA), was given to Chiquita as the company best exemplifying three main criteria of supply chain management: current corporate commitment, past demonstrated programmes, and plans for continued commitment.

DBMA executive director Amy Thorn said that Chiquita stood out from other business because of its ongoing green transportation initiatives that focused on reducing carbon emissions in transportation throughout North America.

'On behalf of our 23,000 employees worldwide, we are honoured that Chiquita has been recognised as an industry leader and an innovator in environmental sustainability efforts,' said group chairman and CEO Fernando Aguirre. 'Environmental sustainability is a wise investment in the future and is a duty we have as global citizens. It is central to our core business strategy as we believe it is the right thing to do.'

Congresswoman Jean Schmidt congratulated Chiquita on winning the award, applauding the company's leadership team and employees for making the environment 'a better place' for future generations.

'This award shows what I already knew about Chiquita, they are a model corporate citizen always looking for innovative and sustainable ways to bring products to the marketplace,' she said. I am proud to represent many of the men and women who make Chiquita great.'

The Distribution Business Management Association comprises the top 50 global supply chain companies.