Organized around Dole’s commitment to People, Nature and Food, report sets ambitious sustainability goals across Dole’s business
CHARLOTTE, N.C.-Thursday 23 April 2020 [ AETOS Wire ]
(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Dole Food Company announced today the release of its 2020 Corporate
Responsibility & Sustainability Report. The report unveils the
organization’s new sustainability framework, “The Dole Way,” along with
the company’s first-ever enterprise-wide sustainability goals.
“Since our
founding, Dole has strived to deliver the best of which we are
capable—in both our products and how we produce them,” stated Johan
Linden, CEO of Dole. “The need for healthy food choices has never been
more evident than during these past weeks as we adapt under this global
pandemic. The journey and dedication to be a responsible citizen of our
communities as well as a good steward of our land will continue into our
future and Dole will remain steadfast in being honest and transparent
about our efforts and our impacts in supplying wholesome food across the
globe.”
“Of course,”
Linden continued, “our stakeholders expect this of us, but even more we
expect this of ourselves; to engage in open dialogue, including critical
voices, to make a measurable and meaningful difference for people and
the planet, and to constantly evaluate and improve. It’s what we believe
is the right way to do business.”
Dole’s
sustainability report outlines an ambitious slate of initiatives under
the Dole Way framework focused on tangible action directed towards five
key goals:
- More than ever, Dole understands our responsibility to positively impact underserved communities and promises to donate no less that 2,500 tons of fresh fruit and produce by 2025.
- Dole will effect valuable long-term change by declaring a social premium for Dole branded bananas and pineapple. This social investment will be directed by company organizations and independent foundations that have operated in Dole’s Latin American production areas for decades and will be invested in the communities according to local needs.
- Dole produce is grown in areas where water is becoming increasingly scarce, and Dole is committed to reduce water usage while improving water quality in its operations.
- Dole will continue to take action to promote healthy eating and nutrition education, with a special focus on youth. At its core, this is a promise to support people living longer and healthier lives.
- Dole recognizes that climate change is real and that the food and agriculture industries have a role to play in mitigating its effects. Dole will focus on decreasing its carbon footprint by ensuring new vessels include efficiency upgrades and working towards achieving net zero carbon emissions at farm level by 2030.
Other
important sustainability targets include ensuring all packaging
materials used in Dole’s banana and pineapple businesses are either
recyclable or compostable by 2025, and introducing blockchain or similar
technology in all operations to bring about a step-change in food
safety and transparency.
Reporting on the impacts of Dole’s responsibility and sustainability goals is also of critical importance.
“This report
and our goals are a new milestone in our sustainability pursuit, and
farming is at the heart of that transformation. As farmers, we are
facing the reality of climate change and are joining all other concerned
people and businesses willing to tackle this challenge in our supply
chain,” said Xavier Roussel, Vice President of Sustainability. “We will
build on our learning—both in precision farming and organic
agriculture—to deliver on our commitments in alliance with our business
partners and other stakeholders. As an employer we will continue to make
a difference in the lives of our employees and local communities and
make a positive impact both within our farm borders and beyond.”
Added
Roussel, “Dole is absolutely committed to being part of the community of
concerned citizens taking on the sustainability challenge.”
To view all Dole’s achievements and goals click the link to the 2020 Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability Report click here.
About Dole Food Company
Dole Food
Company, Inc., is one of the world’s largest producers and marketers of
high-quality fresh fruit and fresh vegetables. Dole is an industry
leader in many of the products it sells, as well as in nutrition
education. For more information, please visit www.dole.com.
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Contacts
US Contact: William Goldfield
818-874-4647
william.goldfield@dole.com