The United Fruit Company's success was due in large part to its aggressive business practices and its close relationships with the governments of the countries in which it operated. The company often used its economic power to influence government policies and to obtain favorable treatment for its operations. In some cases, it even resorted to bribery and corruption to secure its interests.
The United Fruit Company's dominance of the banana trade also had a negative impact on the countries in which it operated. The company's low wages and poor working conditions for its workers led to widespread poverty and social unrest. Additionally, the company's control over the banana trade stifled economic development in many of these countries by preventing them from diversifying their economies.
In the 1950s and 1960s, the United Fruit Company's power began to decline. A combination of factors, including the rise of labor unions, the increasing competition from other banana companies, and the growing awareness of the company's negative impact on the environment and local communities, led to a decline in the company's profits and influence.
Despite its decline, the United Fruit Company remained a major player in the banana trade until the late 1980s. In 1989, the company was acquired by the Chiquita Brands International, which is now one of the world's largest banana producers.