United Fruit Company

The United Fruit Company (UFCO) was an American multinational corporation founded in the late 19th century, primarily focused on banana production and exportation from Central America to the United States and Europe. It played a significant role in the agricultural and economic development of countries like Guatemala, Honduras, and Costa Rica. However, UFCO also had a controversial impact, often interfering in local politics and contributing to foreign intervention in the region, which led to the term "banana republic" describing countries heavily influenced by foreign companies. Its legacy is a mix of economic development and political turmoil.