Geest and Bananas at Barry Docks
In 1959, the Geest Company came to Barry, importing bananas from the Caribbean. Banana boats were used to transport bananas from the Caribbean in a fast fashion so that they were less likely to spoil during the journey. In addition, the boats often carried people between the destinations.
It was an important investment for the town as it provided the opportunity for employment and stability at a time when the Welsh coal trade was in decline.
By the 1990s however, Geest had moved their operations from Barry to Southampton, restarting the long decline of its former's port.
