Port Freeport recognizes 30-year collaboration with Chiquita and Great White Fleet

May 18, 2026

Pictured left to right during a recognition honoring Chiquita Fresh North America L.L.C.’s 30 years of operations at Port Freeport are Rudy Santos, Port Freeport Commission Vice Chairman; Phyllis Saathoff, CEO; Blair Brownlow, Chiquita Manager Operations Freeport; Rob Giesecke, Port Freeport Commission Chairman; Manrique Bermudez, Chiquita Director of Logistics; Barbara Fratila, Port Freeport Commissioner; and Ravi Singhania, Port Freeport Commissioner.

Chiquita Brands International and Great White Fleet mark 30 years of continuous operations at Port Freeport, a milestone that underscores the company’s longstanding role in global trade and its contribution to delivering fresh fruit to communities across the United States.

“The longevity of this collaboration reflects a shared commitment to reliability and performance that supports supply chains across the United States and strengthens connections to international markets,” said Rob Giesecke, Chairman of the Port Freeport Commission. “We are honored to recognize this milestone and look forward to many more years of collaboration and growth.”

The milestone is further underscored by the Chiquita Horizon, which made its inaugural U.S. call at Port Freeport in September 2025. The vessel reflects continued investment in modern fleet capabilities designed to support advanced cold‑chain logistics and evolving global trade requirements.

“Chiquita and Great White Fleet are proud of our 30‑year relationship with Port Freeport and look forward to its continued growth supporting the import of fresh produce into the United States and the export of perishable cargo and dry commodities to Central America,” said Manrique Bermudez, Director of Logistics for Chiquita.

As Port Freeport enhances its infrastructure and expands its capabilities, collaborations like this are central to advancing trade, supporting economic growth, and delivering value to the communities it serves.

“Port Freeport is proud to celebrate Chiquita’s 30-year cooperation and the meaningful impact they have made through the reliable weekly delivery of fresh fruit to our communities with a focus on sustainability,” said Phyllis Saathoff, Port Freeport Executive Director and CEO. “Their operations are supporting families with stable jobs here at Port Freeport and abroad.

The 30-year milestone follows Port Freeport’s centennial year in 2025, bringing together a century of maritime heritage with decades of collaboration.