Banana production in Panama

Banana production in Panama has traditionally played an important role in the Panamanian economy since around the beginning of the twentieth century.

[2] Observers doubted that United Brands would expand its production in Panama because bananas could be produced more cheaply in Costa Rica and Ecuador.

In addition, United Brands sold all 43,000 hectares (110,000 acres) of land that it owned in Panama to the government; payment was in tax credits.

The government leased back to United Brands over 15,000 hectares (37,000 acres) for banana production and export operations.

On June 1, 2017, Del Monte began a 20-year contract with Panama in order to grow bananas in the Baru district, in Chiriqui.