Chiquita Fresh North America, Port Freeport Sign Lease Agreement

Port Freeport commissioners and staff pose for a photo with Chiquita representatives Manrique Bermudez and Blair Brownlow. Photo courtesy of Port Freeport.

Port Freeport has announced the execution of a lease agreement with Chiquita Fresh North America, marking a milestone in their ongoing partnership. Effective June 13, 2024, the parties agreed to a 5-year lease term with an option to extend for an additional five years.

“We are extremely excited about the continued partnership with Chiquita,” said Phyllis Saathoff, executive director/CEO of Port Freeport. “This agreement solidifies the commitment between Chiquita and Port Freeport, a relationship that dates back to 1993.”

Chiquita’s ongoing commitment to Port Freeport is a testament to the steadfast determination by the port to continually improve operational efficiency and safety through the expansion and modernization of Velasco Container Terminal at Port Freeport.

“Port Freeport has established itself as the green fruit capital of the U.S. Gulf and continues to improve its infrastructure to support customer growth so they can efficiently deliver their product to the Texas market and beyond,” said Port Commission Chairman Ravi Singhania. “The resounding economic impact of the agreement with Chiquita will be continuously felt locally, in the Brazosport area, throughout the greater Houston region, across the state of Texas and the United States.”

Chiquita’s import volumes continue to grow at Port Freeport. This agreement allows Chiquita to move forward with installation of an additional 50 reefer plugs in their leased premises to accommodate their growth. Chiquita also provides connections for local manufacturers to export their products to Central America.