After mass layoffs at banana giant Chiquita's Panama operation this summer threatened the popular fruit's supply chains — with some experts even saying Canadians could see price increases — work is set to resume at the plant in Bocas del Toro.

Chiquita has agreed to restart operations, Panama's government and the company said on Friday.

Swiss-based Chiquita plans to invest $30 million US to launch production again in the western province of Bocas del Toro, aiming to be operational by February 2026, according to a statement from Panama President Jose Raul Mulino , who travelled to Brazil to meet with the company.

"I will always stand for investment, production, and decent work for our people," Mulino said in a statement posted on X.

"Now is the time to look forward and reorganize

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