LONDON — Chiquita Holdings Ltd. has acquired Dole PLC’s fresh vegetable division for approximately $293 million. The acquired business processes different lettuce varieties, cauliflower, broccoli, celery, asparagus, artichokes, green onions, sprouts, radishes, and cabbage, as well as salads and meal kits. In 2021 the business generated $1.28 billion in sales.

Businesses owned by Chiquita Holdings include Chiquita International and Fresh Express.

“The combination of both businesses, when consummated, will allow us to continue to create the best products under the Fresh Express umbrella,” said Jose Luis Catrale, chairman of Chiquita Holdings. “The anticipated cost savings from this combination will help partially mitigate the recent period of inflationary pressures experienced throughout the produce, food and beverage sectors of the economy.”

Dublin-based Dole PLC is a global processor of fresh vegetables. In addition to the fresh vegetable business, the company is organized into three additional business units — fresh fruit, diversified fresh produce – EMEA, and diversified fresh produce – Americas and rest of the world.

“We believe the sale of this division will strengthen our financial position and increase the group’s focus on and investments in our core activities,” said Carl McCann, executive chairman of Dole PLC.