Chiquita Brands International Inc. is returning to New Orleans after nearly 40 years, bringing up to 350 new jobs.
Gov. Bobby Jindal and Chiquita official Mario Pacheco say the company is moving from the Port of Gulfport, Mississippi, where it relocated in the 1970s after more than 70 years in New Orleans. Louisiana and the port offered more than $5 million in incentives.
The officials say Chiquita is expected to begin shipping through New Orleans in early 2015. The move will leave the Port of Gulfport without one of its four principal tenants.
Pacheco says the move is based on the company's new shipping configuration rather than dissatisfaction with Gulfport.
Chiquita and Fyffes of Ireland agreed in March to merge and create the world's biggest banana supplier.
