Chiquita expands fresh-cut operations

US multinational Chiquita Brands International has expanded Benelux fresh-cut fruit operation with acquisition of a Dutch company, according to fruitnet.com.

The company has acquired Ready Fruit from Netherlands-based Royal Fruitmasters, for an undisclosed sum in the past week, reportedly making Chiquita the largest player in the Benelux fresh convenience market. Chiquita has been in the market in Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxemburg with fresh-cut fruit since 2005 when it acquired US value-added salads distributor Fresh Express.