FORM 8-K
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of Earliest
Event Reported): February 19, 1998
CHIQUITA BRANDS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
New Jersey 1-1550 04-1923360
(State or other (Commission (IRS Employer
jurisdiction of File Number) Identification No.)
incorporation)
250 East Fifth Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
(Address of principal executive offices)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code:
(513) 784-8000
INFORMATION TO BE INCLUDED IN THE REPORT
Items 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8 and 9 are not applicable and are omitted from
this Report.
Item 5. Other Events
The Company is making this filing in order to incorporate by
reference the information contained herein into the Company's Registration
Statement on Form S-3 No. 333-46373.
On February 19, 1998, approximately 5,000 workers in the Company's
Armuelles division in western Panama commenced a strike citing numerous
grievances. These workers had recently entered into a new collective
bargaining agreement with the Company. The strike has resulted in a
temporary curtailment of the bananas produced in Company-owned farms in
this division; last year this fruit represented approximately 8% of the
bananas marketed by Chiquita. The lost volume is being partially replaced
through purchases of bananas from alternative sources. The Company is
continuing to perform limited agricultural practices on the affected
acreage using outside contractors. At this time, the Company cannot
predict how long the strike will last.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
Date: March 6, 1998 CHIQUITA BRANDS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
By: /s/William A. Tsacalis
---------------------------
William A. Tsacalis
Vice President and Controller
