Get instant access to this case solution for only $15

Chiquitas Global Turnaround Case Solution

Solution Id Length Case Author Case Publisher
2327 948 Words (5 Pages)
This solution includes: A Word File A Word File

This case is about Chiquita Brands International, a company that produced and distributed fresh fruit at a global level. It was one of the market leaders in banana production and distribution at a global level. The sale of bananas constituted approximately 60 percent of its total revenues in 2003. The company sourced and distributed bananas from Latin American regions, due to which it is critical for the stakeholders to maintain amicable relations with suppliers, unions, and local communities. 

Following questions are answered in this case study solution:

  1. Major Facts

  2. Major Problems

  3. PESTLE Analysis

Case Study Questions Answers

2. Major Problems

The banana distribution industry practices have been negatively connoted with child labor, illiteracy, and other social ills which have tarnished its image. Chiquita has also suffered backlashes from various human rights groups and campaigns against such companies have taken place to force them to improve social conditions within their plantations. The company was accused of having poor labor and environmental conditions which dampened the company’s corporate image. 

In 2001, Chiquita announced its bankruptcy. The reasons which contributed to it were the global decrease in banana prices, detrimental labor union relations, trade quotas imposed by the EU which gave priority to imports from ACP countries, and overall decreasing margins of banana distribution. Furthermore, increasing competition within this industry was also a major challenge for the company, along with EU trade policies which put Latin American suppliers at a disadvantage. 

3. PESTLE Analysis

It is essential to conduct an analysis of the external environment in order to understand the problems faced by Chiquita. 

i. Political Factors
  • EU’s restrictive trade quotas favored imports from African, Caribbean, and Pacific countries, which were former European colonies. This decision was taken to support these regions and to improve their international trade. 

  • EU was a major market for Chiquita, hence it challenged this decision through US trade representatives. 

ii. Economic Factors
  • Chiquita faced difficulties that arose from various economic factors such as the decrease in banana prices worldwide, caused by a miscalculation in European demand in the 1990s. 

  • High tariffs placed by the EU also caused a strain on Chiquita’s financial performance.

iii. Social Factors
  • Due to the company’s negative corporate image which it had developed over time, Chiquita was forced to undergo various internal changes. 

  • The company introduced CSR initiatives in order to improve the labor and environmental conditions of its farms and formed companywide policies and practices to integrate social responsibility within its operations. 

iv. Technological Factors
  • The company can benefit from using technological advancements to improve its global sourcing and supply chain operations by the introduction of SAP or other ERP systems.

v. Legal Factors
  • In 2003, Chiquita self-reported itself to the US Department of Justice regarding payments that it made to terrorist groups, claiming that it was for the safety of their workers in Columbia. 

  • Due to this, they had to pay a fine of $25 million to DOJ.

Get instant access to this case solution for only $15

Get Instant Access to This Case Solution for Only $15

Standard Price

$25

Save $10 on your purchase

-$10

Amount to Pay

$15

Different Requirements? Order a Custom Solution

Calculate the Price

Approximately ~ 1 page(s)

Total Price

$0

Get More Out of This

Our essay writing services are the best in the world. If you are in search of a professional essay writer, place your order on our website.

Essay Writing Service
whatsapp chat icon

Hi there !

We are here to help. Chat with us on WhatsApp for any queries.

close icon