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A History Of Bananas
Bananas are indigenous to Asia and the Middle East, with their cultivation dating back thousands of years. They were introduced to the New World during the 15th and 16th centuries, leading to the establishment of banana plantations in Latin America and the Caribbean. It wasn’t until after the American Civil War (1861-1865) that bananas became a staple in the American diet.
A History Of Bananas Told Through Business
In 1870, the first company dedicated to importing bananas to America was founded by Lorenzo Dow Baker, who transported bananas from Jamaica to Boston and sold them on the docks. Baker, along with a local grocery wholesaler, established the Boston Fruit Company, which revolutionized banana importation with the invention of the steamship, significantly reducing travel time and ensuring fresher fruit for consumers.
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Bananas Become Popular In America
The 1876 World’s Fair played a crucial role in introducing bananas to North Americans. While Alexander Graham Bell’s telephone was the main attraction, visitors were also captivated by a banana tree display in Horticultural Hall. Many people saw bananas for the first time and purchased them for 10 cents a bushel.
By the late 19th century, competition in the banana industry intensified, leading to the rise of the Tropical Trading and Transport Company. They sought to control the market by building banana plantations in Costa Rica and improving trade routes. In the 1890s, the company completed a railway that connected Costa Rica to North America, further accelerating banana trade.
A Monopoly On Bananas During The 20th Century
The financial strain of the railway project led to the merger of Boston Fruit Company and Tropical Trading and Transport Company, forming the United Fruit Company. By 1900, United Fruit controlled 80% of the American banana market, solidifying bananas as a cheap, widely available fruit.
The Banana Republics and Political Influence
United Fruit expanded rapidly, acquiring vast lands in Honduras, Guatemala, and Colombia. The company’s influence in these nations led to the term “Banana Republic”, referring to governments heavily influenced by American banana corporations.
In 1954, the CIA backed a coup in Guatemala, removing democratically elected President Jacobo Árbenz after he proposed taxing United Fruit, which owned 40% of Guatemalan farmland. This intervention shaped the country’s political landscape for decades.
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Modern Banana Trade and Labor
Although labor conditions have improved, banana production still relies on low-cost labor in developing nations. The political influence and infrastructure developed over a century ago still contribute to bananas remaining one of the cheapest fruits available in North America.
Today, United Fruit operates under the Chiquita brand, selling the Cavendish banana—a variety prized for its disease resistance, freshness, and appeal.
The Lasting Legacy of Bananas
Bananas are the best-selling fruit in America and rank as the fourth most valuable crop worldwide, behind rice, wheat, and corn. As an importer of bananas, we source our Cavendish bananas from Asia, where India and China are the world’s leading exporters. Our selection includes sweetened and unsweetened banana chips, offering a nutritious and delicious snack option.
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