Chiquita readies 11 million-box export season following Bocas del Toro restart

Following a prolonged 2025 labor strike that halted operations in the country, banana giant Chiquita is restarting its Panama operation with a bang. The firm seeks to export nearly 11 million boxes of bananas in the coming months with the reactivation of its Bocas del Toro hub, according to the local government.

Additionally, the multinational predicts that export volumes will reach approximately 15 million boxes next year. 

Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino announced the projections during a field visit to the facilities. He was accompanied by Chiquita CEO Carlos López Flores, Minister of Commerce and Industries Julio Moltó, and Minister of Agricultural Development Roberto Linares.

The surge follows an agreement between the Panamanian government and Chiquita to resume corporate operations in the region. 

Chiquita aims to expand production

Government authorities reviewed production activities on a 494-acre plantation during the tour. Active production now spans roughly 12,355 acres and generates around 6,000 direct jobs in the province, with employment levels fluctuating with seasonal production.

López Flores stated that Chiquita aims to steadily increase its output by leveraging its 20 active farms in the region.

"We are going to keep growing; the more acres we have, the more jobs we will generate, with young people who want to work," the executive said in a statement.

The Panamanian government reported that the local banana sector aims to restore its position as a primary economic driver for Bocas del Toro and strengthen its presence in international markets through this operational restart and growth strategy.

*Photos by the Panama Ministry of Presidency.

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