Cuyamel

United Fruit took a 25% stake in Hubbard's and Murray, but remained a silent partner.

Around this time, Hubbard and Zamuri acquired the Cuyamel Fruit Company, founded in the 1890s.

The acquisition of Cuyamel, which cost them $20,000, was a gamble.

For the moment, the key purchase was the Thatcher Brothers.

Hicked like a plum from the bottom of the market, with Thatcher, Zamuri became the owner of steamships.

He was described as shy, but I think his actions are more accurately characterized as careful.

He did not want to leave a record or draw attention.

Cuyamel was operating as an importer, not growing bananas, but buying them from Central American farmers.