After posting a narrower quarterly loss, Chiquita Brands International Inc., which competes with Fresh Del Monte and Dole Food Co Inc., said that it expects 2010 earnings. It is seeking to produce revenue growth between 3% and 5%.

Chiquita reported a fourth-quarter net loss of $26 million, or 58 cents a share, compared with a loss of $413 million, or $9.30 a share, a year ago.

According to Thomson Reuter’s survey, the company would acquire an annual profit of $2.31 per share and revenue of $3.47 billion. In after trading, shares rose 13 cents to $14.78. During the regular session, shares dropped 4.1% and closed at $14.65 on Tuesday.

Net sales at the company rose 5% to $879 million.