C.H. Robinson Expands Produce Sourcing and Supply Chain Presence in Europe

C.H. Robinson Expands Produce Sourcing and Supply Chain Presence in Europe, Continues to Invest in Growth of Network

C.H. Robinson Sourcing, SAS opens in Avignon, France, strengthening C.H. Robinson Worldwide’s global produce sourcing capabilities

MINNEAPOLIS, MN, August 13 - C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc. ("C.H. Robinson"), one of the largest produce sourcing and non-asset based logistics companies in the world, has expanded its produce operations by opening a European based produce sourcing company, C.H. Robinson Sourcing, SAS, in Avignon, France ("C.H. Robinson Sourcing").

Jim Lemke, C.H. Robinson senior vice president, said, "This expansion is part of our long-term strategy of establishing a value added international produce sourcing network. We are excited about growing our customer base and working with local suppliers. Having a presence in Western Europe allows us to build stronger relationships that provide a more consistent supply of products to our customers around the world. We believe this capability, and our ability to continue to make these strategic investments to enhance our sourcing services, differentiates us from many other providers in the marketplace. "

C.H. Robinson Sourcing will focus on global trading of fresh produce. The company will primarily source French, Italian, and Spanish fresh produce products for sale to North Ameri ca, South America, Europe, Asia and the Middle Eastern countries. Charles Pantagene, C.H. Robinson Sourcing general manager, who has over 25 years of industry experience, will manage the company’s operations. Pantagene is joined by Michelle Vieira-Coelha, who has over 20 years of experience in the produce industry and international trade.

"Charles and Michelle are well equipped to understand our customers’ needs, meet their expectations, and deliver high service levels. Both have extensive produce industry knowledge and strong grower and receiver relationships," Lemke continued.

C.H. Robinson has over 100 years of produce sourcing experience with 27 produce sourcing offices located across North America, South Ameri ca and Europe. The company helps customers’ source quality products while integrating value-added logistics, distribution, and information reporting services. C.H. Robinson works with many well known North American consumer brands including Mott's®, Welch's®, and Tropicana®, they offer a full line of organic produce, have a large network of regional and local growers and provide a wide selection of innovative proprietary products.

C.H. Robinson Sourcing is located at Chemin de Fontanille, Site Agroparc, Batiment Chene BP 71563, Avignon Cedex 9 France and can be reached at011 334 32 44 80 71.

About C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc.:

C.H. Robinson got its start in the produce industry over 100 years ago, providing fresh fruits and vegetables to the settlers of the northern plains of the United States. Today, C.H. Robinson is a Fortune 500 company and one of the largest produce sourcing and non-asset based third party logistics companies in the world. C.H. Robinson had annual gross revenues of approximately $8.6 billion in 2008. C.H. Robinson serves over 32,000 customers through a network of more than 233 offices and approximately 7,300 employees in North America, Europe, Asia, South America, Australia, and the Middle East.

Through the company and its Foundation, C.H. Robinson contributes millions of dollars annually to a variety of organizations, including the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Community Health Charities, the American Cancer Society, Global Impact, Sustainable Harvest International, and the United Way. The company is headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, USA, and has been publicly traded on the Nasdaq since 1997. For more information about C.H. Robinson, visit our Web site at www.chrobinson.com.