The legacy of Don Eduardo Gómez as president of CORBANA:Leadership and vision in the Costa Rican banana sector.
The banana sector in Costa Rica has historically been a pillar of the national economy, and few names resonate as strongly in this industry as that of Don Eduardo Gómez Bodden (1935-2024), our founder.
His career, marked by over six decades of tireless work and strategic vision, leaves an indelible mark on the development of Costa Rican bananas.
A Leader Forged in Experience
Don Eduardo dedicated 40 years of his life to the United Fruit Company, later known as Chiquita Brands. During that time, he acquired a profound understanding of banana production, marketing, and logistics—experience he later applied to his personal project when founding Grupo Esfuerzo. With his first farm in 28 Millas de Batán, he established himself as an independent producer focused on exporting high-quality bananas to the demanding European market.
Thanks to this role, he became a key figure in the history of the National Banana Corporation in Costa Rica.
In this organization, he held the following positions:
- Vice President: From October 2003 to October 2012 (three consecutive terms)
- President: From October 2012 until his death in 2024 (also three consecutive terms)
As a director of CORBANA, Don Eduardo took his leadership to new heights, facing challenges that tested his visionary capacity and commitment to the well-being of the banana sector.
Challenges in Leading CORBANA
His tenure at CORBANA was marked by significant challenges:
- Transforming Global Markets: Even before the liberalization of exports in the European market in 2020, Don Eduardo led strategies to face a potential oversupply that could reduce prices. At the same time, he pushed for the opening of new markets to diversify the placement of Costa Rican bananas and promoted the sector’s commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for the 2030 Agenda.
- Phytosanitary Protection: Faced with the threat of the Fusarium Tropical Race 4 fungus (FOC R4T), which poses a devastating risk to banana plantations, he led efforts to create regulations in collaboration with the Government.
- Health of Workers: He dealt with the risks of mosquito-borne diseases such as Zika, dengue, and chikungunya, promoting control and prevention campaigns to protect communities and workers in the sector.
- Natural Disasters: Flooding in the Caribbean region was another recurring challenge. His management prioritized investments in infrastructure and protective works to ensure the sustainability of banana farms in these vulnerable areas.
- Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic: In a globally adverse context, Don Eduardo implemented strict sanitary protocols to maintain production without compromising the health of workers, ensuring the continuity of exports, and led the sector through a profound economic impact, helping sustain the country’s agricultural exports.
A Legacy of Commitment and Vision
Don Eduardo was not only a strategic leader but also a human being deeply concerned about the well-being of those around him. His devotion as a husband and father was reflected in his work ethic and commitment to the development of banana communities.
As the founder of Grupo Esfuerzo, he laid the foundation for a company recognized internationally for its quality and responsibility. As president of CORBANA, his vision allowed the Costa Rican banana sector to remain competitive in an increasingly challenging global market.
Don Eduardo Gómez Bodden’s legacy will endure in the Costa Rican banana sector. His inspiring leadership, profound knowledge, and ability to face adversities are examples for future generations of producers and leaders, who will need to uphold this model of sustainability, innovation, and social commitment.
