Walt Disney World and Chiquita Brands International announced a new partnership today, which will bring Chiquita and Fresh Express products to the Walt Disney World Resort and the Disney Cruise Line. This agreement will further both company’s commitments to providing consumers with healthy and fresh food options.
The new partnership will allow Chiquita products and Fresh Express salad items to have brand exclusivity within their respective categories at locations throughout the Walt Disney World Resort and the Disney Cruise Line. This agreement continues Chiquita’s expansion into untraditional distribution channels, and allows them to educate their consumers about the benefits of healthy nutrition. The agreement also continues Disney’s efforts to provide guests with healthy food options. In 2010, Disney launched their “Disney Magic of Healthy Living” initiative, which aims to inspire kids and families to make healthy choices and lead an active lifestyle. Disney also struck up a similar partnership with Ocean Spray in October, bringing the company’s Craisins™ dried cranberry snacks to retail location throughout Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and the Disney Cruise Line.
“We are pleased to work with Disney to offer healthy, nutritious Chiquita and Fresh Express products to the millions of guests who visit Walt Disney World Resort as well as the Disney Cruise Line each year,” said Fernando Aguirre, Chiquita chairman and chief executive officer. “This alliance joins two companies with the shared commitment of providing quality experiences to consumers. This is yet another step in Chiquita’s efforts to improve world nutrition by extending distribution of our healthy fresh products, now to include the world’s favorite vacation destinations.”
As part of the new partnership, Chiquita will also become the new sponsor of two Walt Disney World attractions: “Crush ‘n’ Gusher,” a water ride themed to a tropical fruit processing center at the Typhoon Lagoon water park, and “Living with the Land,” an Epcot attraction that takes guests into the Land Pavilion’s greenhouses to explore advances in agriculture. Chiquita will also take part in the “runDisney” marathon series, where they will promote the benefits of a healthy and active lifestyle to both guests and participants. The company’s involvement will begin with this September’s Wine and Dine Half Marathon.
