Panama's Chiquita plans to export 11 million boxes of bananas after resuming operations

en.Wedoany.com Reported - After the Panama government reached an agreement with Chiquita to restart the company's banana operations in Bocas del Toro province, the multinational plans to export approximately 11 million boxes of bananas in the coming months, aiming to reach around 15 million boxes next year.

The announcement was made by Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino during an inspection of Finca 12, accompanied by Chiquita CEO Carlos López Flores, Minister of Commerce and Industry Julio Moltó, and Minister of Agricultural Development Roberto Linares. During the visit, officials toured a 200-hectare plantation, one of the 20 farms currently in operation. According to on-site reports, the business now covers approximately 5,000 hectares of production area, generating about 6,000 direct jobs in the province, with numbers fluctuating based on production levels.

During the inspection, López Flores stated that the company is committed to continuous production increases, targeting at least 15 million boxes of bananas next year from the existing 20 farms. He noted that the administrative and operational teams will work to achieve this goal before further expansion. With the resumption of operations and the advancement of production increase plans, Panama's banana industry is seeking to restore its position as one of the main economic engines of Bocas del Toro province and strengthen its influence in international markets.