United Fruit Company
F1. Maritime HistoryDefinition
Early twentieth century operator of the Great White Fleet of reefer ships.
United Fruit Company was the American banana and produce corporation formed in 1899 that ran the Great White Fleet, its line of white-hulled refrigerated steamers carrying bananas from Central America and the Caribbean to US and European ports. The reefer ships, painted white to reduce cargo heat, also took passengers and mail. The company’s dominance over Central American economies coined the term ‘banana republic’; it became United Brands in 1970 and later Chiquita.
Source: United Fruit Company incorporated 1899; the 'Great White Fleet' of refrigerated steamers; renamed United Brands 1970.