Chiquita

Were Chiquita's Bananas Good For Charlotte?

Julie Rose — Tue, 21 May 2013 21:29:27 +0000

Chiquita will hold its annual shareholders meeting in Charlotte for the first time Thursday. It's a sign the company's relocation from Cincinnati is complete – and it's an opportunity to take a look at what Charlotte taxpayers got for the generous tax incentives they gave Chiquita.

Chiquita Loses $67M In Q3, New CEO Stays The Course

Julie Rose — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 14:56:23 +0000

Chiquita Brands International announced a $67 million third-quarter loss Wednesday, but the company's new CEO Ed Lonergan said that was better than he expected in a year beset with relocation expenses and volatility in European markets. It was Lonergan's first earnings announcement since being hired last month to replace Fernando Aguirre.

New Top Banana Meets Chiquita Employees - And Charlotte

Julie Rose — Thu, 11 Oct 2012 13:22:58 +0000

The new CEO charged with restoring Chiquita's profits is on the job now and busy introducing himself to the company's 20,000 employees.

Just before speaking with WFAE, he met with an auditorium full of Chiquita employees clad in blue and yellow shirts. Lonergan was impressed.

"That's a really interesting thing for me, because I came here because I have passion for the legacy of this brand and the future potential that it has," says Lonergan. "I also came here because every person I met wears that passion on their sleeve, literally."

Chiquita Names New CEO

Julie Rose — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 20:52:22 +0000

Chiquita's new CEO is better versed in selling soap than bananas, but the company's board believes it needs a someone with turnaround experience right now and Edward Lonergan is their choice.

News of CEO Fernando Aguirre's exit from Chiquita last month caused some angst in Charlotte. He's been ever-present around town and on Twitter as the charismatic, bow-tie wearing face of the company. . . not to mention the man city leaders dealt with in wooing Chiquita's headquarters here with significant incentives.