United Fruit Company

United Fruit Company flag

United Fruit Company

The United Fruit Company was an American corporation that traded in tropical fruit, primarily bananas, grown on Central and South American plantations and sold in the United States and Europe. The company was formed in 1899 from the merger of the Boston Fruit Company with Minor C. Keith's banana-trading enterprises. It flourished in the early and mid-20th century and came to control vast territories and transportation networks in Central America, the Caribbean coast of Colombia, Ecuador, and the West Indies.

History

The United Fruit Company was established in 1899 by the merger of the Boston Fruit Company and several other companies controlled by Minor C. Keith. Keith had built a railroad in Costa Rica and began to grow bananas alongside the tracks to feed his workers. The company rapidly expanded its operations throughout Central America, the Caribbean, and parts of South America.

Operations

The United Fruit Company owned vast tracts of land and operated extensive railroads and shipping lines. It was a vertically integrated company, controlling every aspect of banana production from planting to distribution. The company was known for its influence over the governments of the countries in which it operated, often referred to as "banana republics."

Impact

The United Fruit Company had a significant impact on the economies and politics of the countries where it operated. It was often criticized for its exploitative labor practices and its role in political interventions, including the 1954 Guatemalan coup d'état which was supported by the CIA.

Decline and Legacy

The company's dominance began to wane in the mid-20th century due to labor disputes, nationalization of its properties, and competition from other companies. In 1970, it merged with the AMK Corporation to form United Brands Company, which later became Chiquita Brands International.

See also

• Banana Wars
• Banana republic
• Chiquita Brands International
• 1954 Guatemalan coup d'état
• Minor C. Keith

Related pages

• Banana
• Central America
• South America
• Boston Fruit Company
• Chiquita Brands International
• Guatemalan coup d'état