Sustainability
In Dole plc we recognise how privileged we are to be marketing products, the health promoting properties of which have been firmly and definitively established. That these very same products are associated with the lowest carbon, water and ecological footprints of all the major food groups is something about which we are incredibly proud.
For over 170 years, we have been as proud to deliver nutritious, high-quality produce all around the world, as we have been to take responsibility for the land from which it is grown. And we are equally committed to supporting and enhancing the global communities that ensure we can produce and deliver the quality of produce for which we’re known.
We call this ‘The Dole Way’; our enduring commitment to grow, process and distribute our produce responsibly, today and for generations to come.
For nature
Fresh water is vital for farmers. Climate change impacts water availability, so careful management is essential to ensure future growth. Our water stewardship activities reflect how well we manage climate risks.
For years, Dole has been reducing water use on farms and in packing and processing facilities, making steady progress. Water risk assessments are conducted and optimised water practices are implemented in high-risk areas on Dole-owned farms and facilities.
Every step we take is driven by our dedication to people, the planet, and delivering exceptional product quality. We work in harmony with Mother Nature. Every tree gets exactly what it requires through efficient water management and ongoing soil quality monitoring.
At Dole we are committed to protect biodiversity. We understand that the future of our farms and the food we grow, relies on the care of our environment. Together with our partner Biota we started an ambitious pilot that embarks profiling 22 farms, covering 5 continents and 12 crops including our avocados and mangoes, using new technologies to understand and monitor biodiversity.
Satellite technology is used to monitor biodiversity by tracking habitat changes, analyze vegetation patterns and detect signs of ecological disturbance. Insights will help to develop site specific recommendations to enhance biodiversity on our farms and those of our partners.
Launched in 2022 and inspired by pan-European consumer insights gathered through our Dole Consumer Compass project, the DOLE® BE Exotic! brand is committed to engaging consumers in a contemporary and innovative way.
Reducing and removing plastic packaging is a key priority for our business. With the introduction of the DOLE® BE Exotic! range, we are raising the bar and setting new standards in sustainable packaging.
We are proud to partner with Fruitleather to transform our waste into a sustainable leather alternative. Through an innovative process, mango fibres are extracted from the pulp, dried into sheets, and turned into a durable vegan material. This is then supplied to designers around the world to craft shoes, handbags, and accessories.
For people
By 2026 our aim is to support a minimum of 5 developing growers in 7 key markets, offering business development guidance, capacity-building initiatives, training, practical commercial, agronomic and sustainability support, as well as access to Dole’s distribution channels.
For food
Started in Sweden as “Kostministeriet,” Dole’s pan-European research expanded in 2024 to cover 12 countries and was renamed Dole Consumer Compass. Surveying 12,000 people, it reveals what drives or limits fresh fruit and vegetable consumption.
This insight supports product innovation, promotion, and retail category management, helping us better meet consumer needs and encourage healthier eating across Europe. View the 2024 report here.
To find out more about our ‘Sustainability Story’ visit our group website.
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