Chiquita has been awarded the Suitable Innovation Award as part of the 2025 SEAL Business Sustainability Awards for its Yelloway One disease-resistant banana prototype. This recognition highlights Chiquita's commitment to sustainability and innovative solutions in agriculture.

Yelloway One is the first hybrid banana prototype resistant to significant diseases like Fusarium wilt and black leaf streak disease, which threaten global banana production and cost the industry hundreds of millions annually.  Chiquita's sustainability director, Peter Stedman, stated, "This recognition reflects our vision for a resilient banana industry that supports farmers and communities globally." Developed with partners KeyGene, MusaRadix, and Wageningen University, Yelloway One combines advanced research and breeding technologies.

The initiative has produced over 32,000 seeds and 150 successful crosses, setting a foundation for sustainable banana varieties. Matt Harney, founder of the SEAL Awards, praised Chiquita's innovative approach, emphasizing the need for every sector to contribute to climate action. Chiquita's project aims to enhance banana cultivation diversity, supporting economic opportunities for growers while making its findings available for public use in developing disease-resistant varieties.