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Banana giant Chiquita Brands has announced plans to restart operations in Panama following mass layoffs earlier this year that affected over 6,000 workers. The decision comes after months of halted production in the western province of Bocas del Toro, triggered by a labor strike linked to nationwide pension reform protests.
Chiquita will invest $30 million to relaunch its facilities, with operations expected to resume by February 2026. The company aims to create 3,000 jobs in the initial phase focused on cleanup and agricultural recovery, followed by an additional 2,000 roles in harvesting and packaging.
Panama’s President Jose Raul Mulino welcomed the move, calling it a step toward revitalizing the local economy and securing stable employment for thousands of families. The agreement was reached after high-level talks between the Panamanian government and Chiquita executives in Brazil.
The return of Chiquita is seen as critical to restoring Panama’s position in the global banana supply chain, which had faced disruption and potential price volatility in international markets.
Chiquita Bananas Picture by Mike Mozart
