Dole plc has announced the release of its first sustainability report since the 2021 merger of Total Produce plc and Dole Food Co. This report sets out the organization’s refreshed sustainability framework and offers a new set of environmental, social and governance goals through 2030.
With global headquarters in Dublin, Ireland, and U.S. headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina, Dole Plc grows, markets and distributes a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables sourced locally and from around the world in more than 75 countries.
The Dole Way, its sustainability framework, focuses on governance and three core pillars – “For Nature, For People and For Food” – covering environmental, ethical and social and nutrition related issues. These three pillars incorporate areas identified as being most material to the impact of our business’ operations.
- For nature: By committing to the Science Based Target Initiative, Dole plc places climate action at the forefront of its priorities along with water stewardship, biodiversity, waste management, packaging reduction and innovation.
- For people: Employing 38,500 people globally while partnering with third-party growers worldwide, Dole strives to be an employer of choice, supporting local communities and protecting human rights across its supply chains.
- For food: Dole promotes healthy nutrition by improving access to fresh produce through partnerships and donations.
“Dole has built market-leading positions across a wide range of fresh fruit and vegetable segments by incorporating sustainability into their growth models,” said Rory Byrne, Dole plc CEO.
“As our climate is changing, we are focused on identifying the related risks, adapting to the effects on our operations and minimizing our own impacts. We also recognize and relish the special role we can play in improving people’s lives and the contribution Dole can make to promoting good health and well-being.”
The report also lays the foundation for the promotion of regenerative farming practices across Dole’s own operations as well as on associated farms which will support the business’ ambitious climate goals.
“Although fresh produce has a low environmental footprint in comparison to other food sources, there is still much to do to further decrease our impacts and adapt to the effects of climate change,” said Xavier Roussel, Dole plc’s chief marketing and sustainability officer.
“We are addressing those challenges for the long term with likeminded partners along the supply chain. Our vertically integrated business model allows us to research much in our own operations before expanding to our associated farmers which is instrumental to lead change in the industry. Caring for our most important resources: our people, the nature around us and the food we deliver to the world is our way to contribute to society and will set us up for continued success.”
To view the full report, click here.
