Fyffs was created in 1880 and began selling bananas. By 1901 it had purchased its first ship and established agents to help distribute its products. It expanded to the US and UK in the early 1900s. Between 1939-1945 it supported the British government by loaning its fleet and building air raid shelters. After World War 2, Fyffs grew rapidly, acquiring other companies. It went public in 1981 and became more focused on fruit distribution worldwide. In recent decades, Fyffs has also expanded into other businesses like real estate and established charitable partnerships.