Chiquita Brands wins DBMA award

The Distribution Business Management Association (DBMA), represented by 50 top global supply chain companies, granted Chiquita Brands International the 2009 Circle of Excellence Award, the association’s highest recognition for environmental protection and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

Criteria for the Circle of Excellence Award were developed by Dr Omar Keith Helferich, PhD, Central Michigan University, based on research through Michigan State University and Central Michigan University with assistance from other universities involved with supply chain management.

“Chiquita demonstrated sustainability leadership through certification by multiple independent, globally recognized organizations like Rainforest Alliance, in both environmental and social standards and with the Chiquita Nature & Community Project,” said Helferich. “These accomplishments are testimony to its corporate commitment to sustainability because, in addition to performance benefits, Chiquita believes it is the right thing to do.”

“After a multi-month review of many award-worthy companies, Chiquita stood out because of its ongoing green transportation initiatives that focus on reducing carbon emissions in transportation throughout North America,” said Amy Thorn, executive director, DBMA. “Overall, Chiquita was chosen as the 2009 Circle of Excellence Award winner because of its dedication to CSR activities and innovative work with MIT to measure the carbon footprint in Chiquita’s global supply chain.”