US-based fresh produce company Chiquita Brands International has confirmed reports that it is in discussions regarding the potential sale of its banana-producing and port operations in Colombia to Invesmar, the holding company of C.I. Banacol, a Colombian-based producer and exporter of bananas.


The discussions also involve a potential long-term agreement for Chiquita’s purchase of Colombian bananas, the company said.


Chiquita said it could not give any assurances that the discussions would lead to an agreement or a transaction.


Chiquita currently produces around 11 million 40-lb. boxes of bananas in Colombia, representing about 10% of its volume sourced from Latin America.