<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from Chiquita
Brands International, Inc. Form 10-Q for the six months ended June 30, 2000
and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such financial information.

<MULTIPLIER> 1,000

                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-2000
<PERIOD-END>                               JUN-30-2000
<CASH>                                          94,413
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                  204,413
<ALLOWANCES>                                    12,047
<INVENTORY>                                    340,196
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               806,857
<PP&E>                                       1,841,667
<DEPRECIATION>                                 725,685
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               2,445,548
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          520,680
<BONDS>                                      1,032,683
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                    253,475
<COMMON>                                           665
<OTHER-SE>                                     490,831
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                 2,445,548
<SALES>                                      1,259,518
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                             1,259,518
<CGS>                                          960,288
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  960,288
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                45,564
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              63,963
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 53,912
<INCOME-TAX>                                     8,000
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             45,912
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                  1,832
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    47,744
<EPS-BASIC>                                        .59
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .58