Chiquita Brands International has achieved international labour standard certification across all its Latin American farms. Independent auditors confirmed this week that its banana farms in Guatemala and Honduras have achieved Social Accountability SA8000 certification as well as meeting the environmental standards of the Rainforest Alliance.
Between them, the farms in both Central American nations cover some 15,000ha and employ 14,000 people.
“These efforts continue to reflect the importance of our core values,” said Chiquita chairman and ceo Fernando Aguirre. “I’m especially pleased that we achieved 100 per cent certification to SA8000 a year ahead of target.”
Chiquita’s Costa Rica farms earned SA8000 in 2002 and Colombian and Panamanian operations were certified two years ago. Chiquita has since sold its Colombian interests but under new ownership, the SA8000 certification has been maintained.
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