The higher cost of fuel and fertilisers has caused shares of major US fresh produce companies to tumble on the New York Stock Exchange.

On 16 June, banana distributor Chiquita Brands International saw its shares fall by US$6.76, or 29 per cent, to US$16.56 a share, after the company announced that it would post 'significant' third-quarter losses.

Fresh Del Monte Produce, similarly, saw its shares drop US$4.39, or 13.8 per cent, to US$27.49.