Controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2007
Payments to Colombian armed groups
Chiquita acknowledged that its Colombian subsidiary made payments to designated armed groups. The company reached a settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice and paid a criminal penalty.
1998
Cincinnati Enquirer investigation
An investigative newspaper series alleged labor, environmental, political, and other misconduct. The reporting collapsed into a legal controversy after unauthorized access to Chiquita voicemail systems was disclosed.
1990
Banana Wars with Fyffes
Chiquita was accused of illegally interfering with Fyffes shipments and using improper legal and commercial tactics during a dispute over banana supplies.
1976
European competition-law finding
European authorities found United Brands had abused a dominant position through conduct including discriminatory prices and refusal to supply certain customers.
1954
Guatemala intervention controversy
United Fruit opposed land reforms affecting its Guatemalan holdings and lobbied the United States while portraying the government as communist. A CIA-backed coup subsequently removed the elected government.
1928
Colombian Banana Massacre
A labor strike involving workers on United Fruit-linked plantations in Colombia was violently suppressed by government forces. The episode became a lasting symbol of the company’s disputed labor and political influence.