US-based producer and distributor of bananas and other produce Chiquita Brands International has reported that its net sales decreased by 1.24% to $714m for the third quarter ended 30 September 2012, compared to $723m for the same period in 2011.
The company posted a loss of $67m, compared to a $29m loss for the corresponding period in 2011.
Besides, net sales for the nine months of 2012 declined by 2.9% to $2.3bn, compared to $2.4bn in 2011. The company's posted a loss of $72m, compared to a profit of $73m for the nine months of 2011.
The company noted that the recent banana contracts will see a volume growth in North America's bananas segment in 2013 and some of that volume has started benefiting the fourth quarter results.
Chiquita Brands plans to expand retail salad volume with private label contract volume starting early 2013.
Chiquita Brands International markets and distributes fresh and value-added food products including rich bananas, blends of convenient green salads, other fruits and snacking products under the Chiquita and Fresh Express premium brands and other trademarks.