Feb 10, 2004 12:00 PM, from staff and wire reports

Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc, one of the world's largest producers and marketers of fresh fruit, vegetables, and other produce, reported strong financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended Dec 26, 2003.

For the quarter, the company had net income of $22.8 million, compared with $35.2 million in fourth-quarter 2002. Net sales for the fourth quarter of 2003 were $578.7 million, versus $487.4 million for the same period a year earlier.

Annual net income was $226.4 million, compared with $195.2 million in 2002. Net sales for the year increased 19% to $2.5 billion from $2.1 billion in 2002.