Standard Fruit Company
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Fruit importation and distribution |
| Founded | 1924 in United States |
| Founder | Vaccaro brothers (Joseph, Luca, Felix Vaccaro) and Salvador D'Antoni |
| Fate | Renamed and absorbed; currently known as Dole plc |
Key people | Joseph Vaccaro (president) |
| Products | Bananas |
The Standard Fruit Company, currently known as Dole plc, was established in the United States in 1924 by the Vaccaro brothers. Its beginnings date back to 1899 when Sicilian Arberesh immigrants Joseph, Luca, and Felix Vaccaro, together with Salvador D'Antoni, initiated the importation of bananas into New Orleans from La Ceiba, Honduras. By 1915, the enterprise had grown extensively, acquiring the majority of New Orleans' ice manufacturing plants to facilitate the refrigeration of banana cargoes. This expansion led to president Joseph Vaccaro being dubbed the "Ice King."
Together with the United Fruit Company, Standard Fruit wielded considerable power over several Central American governments, including Honduras, which played a role in coining the term "banana republics" due to their dominance in these regions.
The company adopted the name Standard Fruit & Steamship Company in 1926. Between 1964 and 1968, it was absorbed by Castle & Cooke Corporation, which also acquired James Dole's Hawaiian Pineapple Company (HAPCO). In 1991, Castle & Cooke underwent rebranding to become Dole Food Company. The real estate division, Castle & Cooke Inc., was separated in 1995 and became privately owned following a management buyout in 2000.
1954 Honduras strike
In 1954, Standard Fruit employees participated in a significant general strike in Honduras. Important developments during this event include: