The origins of the world's biggest banana company are darker than you could ever imagine. In the late 1800s, several enterprising American businessman saw an opportunity to move into Central America and build successful companies growing, shipping, and selling bananas to the masses. Several fruit companies cropped up during this time, but none bigger or more powerful than the United Fruit Company - which would later become known as Chiquita Brands International, seller of Chiquita Bananas. But in order to become the biggest banana brand in history, the company would have to leave behind a trail of blood, exploitation, military coups, slavery, and genocide. On this episode we dive deep into the incredibly bleak origins of Chiquita Banana. -- Pick up some Deep Cuts T-Shirts and other merch! https://bit.ly/deepcutsmerch -- Get the official Deep Cuts shoulder patch! http://bit.ly/deepcuts_patch -- Listen to our new album, a 9 song rock opera about the rise and fall of Napster! https://open.spotify.com/album/63C5uu1tkzZ2FhfsrSSf5s?si=q4WItoNmRUeM159TxKLWew -- Additional incidental music credits: D.Catalano https://wekeepoddhours.bandcamp.com The Deadboy Detectives Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices