FORT LAUDERDALE, FL - For the seventh year in a row, Chiquita is giving its iconic Blue Sticker a makeover in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The new Pink Sticker, made to match the Pink Ribbon, an international symbol for breast cancer awareness, will adorn 200 million of Chiquita’s tasty yellow bananas worldwide. This small change, made in partnership with the American Cancer Society (ACS), aims to help inspire women to make a big difference by living a healthy lifestyle and scheduling regular screening with mammograms.
Breast cancer among females is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers worldwide (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023), and by changing the iconic Blue Sticker to Pink, Chiquita’s female ambassador Miss Chiquita sends a powerful message of support to those affected by breast cancer. In addition, Miss Chiquita will appear in this year’s Pink Sticker digital content, leading by example by changing her iconic pose to one where she is performing a self examination. This small act of support for the global Pink Ribbon campaign will ultimately raise awareness of prevention and early detection.
Throughout the month of October and beyond, Chiquita encourages women to make small changes in their lives, including health education and awareness, to help them live a holistically healthy lifestyle. This includes talking to your doctor about which tests you may need and organizing a screening schedule that’s right for you. Lifestyle behaviors and family history are also good topics to talk about with your doctor, as these factors may put you or a loved one at a higher risk.
“Each year, breast cancer affects women and their families across the globe, which is why Chiquita is proud to once again pledge our support and help raise awareness,” said Tina Varjabedian, Global Communications Manager for Chiquita. “Our Behind the Blue Sticker initiative places a strong emphasis on empowering women, which makes our partnership with the ACS such a natural fit. Through the Pink Sticker initiative, we are able to promote prevention and treatment while supporting those impacted by breast cancer.”
Millions of people have postponed crucial health screenings over the past few years, prompting growing concerns among health professionals. The absence of these essential medical appointments raises the risk of serious health issues, as early detection can significantly reduce potentially life-threatening consequences. In response to this urgent situation, Chiquita has forged partnerships with prominent global health organizations, including the American Cancer Society, to amplify the importance of annual breast screenings for early detection, alongside adapting healthy lifestyles and dietary habits, particularly for women.
In addition, on October 28 Chiquita will participate in the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides of Miami-Dade 5k Walk, providing nutritious bananas to nourish all participants.
As part of this annual series, Chiquita has teamed up with the American Cancer Society to create six delicious recipes including a super nut banana toast; Chiquita banana and avocado salad; oatmeal cups with ricotta, chocolate, and Chiquita bananas; spicy Chiquita banana and cocoa smoothie; pancakes with dark chocolate and Chiquita bananas; and chicken salad with Chiquita banana. Each recipe meets the ACS nutritional guidelines and aims to teach consumers how to maintain a well-balanced diet, which goes hand-in-hand with maintaining overall health and wellness.
“As of 2023, the female breast cancer death rate has declined by 42% from 1989 to 2019, which can be attributed to early detection and enhanced treatment approaches,” said Wendy Johnson, Vice President, American Cancer Society Florida. “The ACS has continued to leverage over a century of life-saving experience to support breast cancer research, expand access to high-quality healthcare, advocate for impactful public policies and provide essential patient support. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Chiquita to enhance the lives of cancer patients and their families.”
In addition to the American Cancer Society, Chiquita has partnered with cancer organizations around the world including Pink Ribbon in Germany and Netherlands, Fondazione AIRC in Italy, Alma Zois in Greece, Brostcancer for bundet in Sweden, and Donna Europa in Finland.
For tasty recipes and more information on Chiquita’s Pink Sticker Program, please visit Pink Prevention | Chiquita. For media inquiries, please contact Julia Aronson, [email protected]
