The International Association for Food Protection (IAFP) has announced that Fresh Express has been named as the recipient of the prestigious Black Pearl Award for Corporate Excellence in Food Protection and Quality.
In order to win the award, the Chiquita subsidiary was required to meet a number of criteria, including examples of contribution to public health principles and food safety, and evidence of products and services demonstrating a commitment to food safety.
Other areas that the group was required to excel in included safe and sanitary facilities, safety regulations, community and consumer programming and education, and the promotion of ethical and fair business practices.
'Each year IAFP honours a single company with our most prestigious award, the Black Pearl, in recognition of that company's singular efforts in advancing food safety and quality,' said IAFP executive director David Tharp. 'This year, we are pleased to recognize Fresh Express for its adherence to the highest standards of excellence in food protection, for its innovative leadership in prevention-based food safety practices, for its exceptional educational activities and for fostering a culture that is dedicated to continually furthering the principles and goals of outstanding food safety.'
Fernando Aguirre, chairman and chief executive officer at Chiquita, described receiving the Black Pearl as a 'genuine honour and a humbling moment'.
'Each week, millions of consumers enjoy Chiquita and Fresh Express products, with full confidence in their safety,' said Mr Aguirre. 'A commitment to food safety is not only part of our strategy, but it is in our company DNA.
'We are very appreciative that this commitment to food safety has been recognized by the premier international food safety organisation comprised of global food safety leaders,' he added. 'Winning the Black Pearl has been compared to winning the Super Bowl or the World Series by food safety experts. We are honoured to accept this coveted award.'
