EXHIBIT 1


                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS




       We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration
Statements (Form S-8 Nos. 33-2241, 33-16801, 33-42733, 33-56572, 333-39671 and
333-93517) pertaining to the Chiquita Savings and Investment Plan and in the
related Prospectus of our report dated June 11, 2001, with respect to the
financial statements and schedule of the Chiquita Savings and Investment Plan
included in this Annual Report (Form 11-K) for the year ended December 31, 2000.





                                           /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP



Cincinnati, Ohio
June 22, 2001