In December 1910, the exiled former leader Manuel Bonilla boarded a borrowed yacht and set sail for Honduras in hopes of reclaiming power by whatever means necessary. Bonilla had a powerful backer: the notorious organization known throughout Latin America as "El Pulpo." It was a U.S. corporation trafficking in, of all things, bananas. John Soluri investigates the United Fruit Company. [Directed by Sofia Pashaei, narrated by Jack Cutmore-Scott, music by André Aires].

John Soluri: The dark history of bananas

The dark history of bananas

Bananas, once a novelty, became an affordable staple in the US by the 1900s, thanks to the Gros Michel variety's resilience.

United Fruit's dominance in Latin America, dubbed 'El Pulpo', was built on land grabs, coups, and exploiting local politics.

The shift from Gros Michel to Cavendish bananas reflects adaptability in agriculture but hints at looming biodiversity crises.