Chiquita Brands International Inc and Core-Mark International have entered into an arrangement to distribute Chiquita bananas to convenience stores (C-stores) throughout the Core-Mark network using Landec Corp's patented packaging technology. After successfully concluding a test at more than 200 C-stores, Chiquita and Core-Mark plan to expand the reach of Chiquita bananas to more than 5,000 retail locations in dozens of states by year-end.
A joint technology development and supply agreement reached in September 2004 between Chiquita and Landec helped produce this distribution arrangement with Core-Mark. Chiquita is using Landec's packaging technology to keep single bananas at the ready-to-eat stage required in immediate-consumption outlets. By extending the shelf life of bananas, new retail locations such as C-stores can now offer consistently high-quality Chiquita bananas.
Core-Mark is a wholesale distributor of packaged consumer products to the convenience retail industry in North America.
