Lower costs have helped a fall in sales and drive half-year profits at produce giant Chiquita Brands International.

The company booked net income of US$33m for the six months to the end of June, compared to $6m last year. Operating income reached $66m, up from $17m.

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more

A drop in the cost of sales and SG&A expenses drove the higher earnings. Net sales were 2.5% higher at $1.59bn.

A similar trend was seen in Chiquita’s bananas business in the second quarter, when sales fell but profits increased.

Quarterly profits from Chiquita’s salads and snacks division fell by two-thirds as plant consolidation offset higher sales.

However, president and CEO Ed Lonergan said: “We are reporting our first quarterly year-over-year volume growth in value-added salads since 2008.”

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

Click here for the full statement from Chiquita.

Just Food Excellence Awards - The Benefits of Entering

Gain the recognition you deserve! The Just Food Excellence Awards celebrate innovation, leadership, and impact. By entering, you showcase your achievements, elevate your industry profile, and position yourself among top leaders driving food industry advancements. Don’t miss your chance to stand out—submit your entry today!

Nominate Now