Chiquita Plans $30 Million Return, 5,000 Jobs in Panama

Chiquita Brands has agreed to resume banana production operations in Panama's Bocas del Toro province after closing its plant and laying off over 6,000 workers earlier this year due to a strike related to pension reforms. The Panamanian government and Chiquita reached an agreement to rehire 3,000 workers initially, with plans to add another 2,000 later, aiming for full operational status by February 2026. The company will invest $30 million to revitalize production on 5,000 hectares of banana-growing land, signaling a major economic boost for the region, which heavily depends on banana exports and tourism. The strike, declared illegal by a labor court, caused significant losses estimated at $75 million and disrupted local supply chains. This deal represents a significant turnaround for Chiquita in Panama and aligns with government efforts to stabilize the local economy and labor market. Panama's President José Raúl Mulino personally endorsed the agreement, underscoring its importance for social and economic development in the province.