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Chiquita Brands International has handed in its 60-day notice to the Ohio Office of Workforce Development.

The fruit producer said that on 6 April it will begin transferring employees – either to the company's new headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina, or to positions outside the business it will help them find.

Spokesman Andrew Ciafardini said: "We are on track for that to happen over the summer. Only a handful of employees may depart in April."

Chiquita was persuaded to move south by a package of grants and tax incentives worth US$22.7m over 11 years, and will cover the relocation expenses of employees coming with the business to Charlotte.