CHARLOTTE, NC - The Organic Produce Summit 2024 is nearly here, presenting an opportunity for many companies in fresh produce who jump at the chance to share their unique programs in a high-quality and intimate atmosphere. Dole Food Company is one of those best-in-class operations bringing its platform this year. With an anniversary to celebrate, we jumped at the chance to showcase its message.

“With more than 25 years of organic banana program experience, Dole’s credentials as a world-class organic grower are already firmly established,” Bil Goldfield, Director of Corporate Communications, shares with me. “Dole is the largest grower and distributor of both premium organic bananas and pineapples in the United States and should be the brand retailers turn to in this space, with practices and scale to deliver consistent quality products and meaningful impacts.”

With fresh produce leading the charge as a key category across global retail, Bil adds that more and more consumers are trading up from conventional to organic in many produce categories.

“The ability to consistently exceed and deliver on consumer expectations in organics is a core competency of Dole and a great reason to partner with us as a supplier of retail organic programs,” he continues. “Throughout the organization, we are committed to educating, inspiring, and empowering consumers to make healthier lifestyle choices. The Dole Way assures customers and consumers of safe, healthy, nutritious, and responsibly grown food. Through Dole, they can expect continuity and consistency of supply of fresh organic bananas and pineapples week in and week out, grown in accordance with best agronomic and sustainable practices.”

With a breadth and scale that allow better sourcing, transportation control, and efficiencies across the supply chain, Dole is increasing its advantages and benefits at each turn in the supply chain.

So, what can we hope to see at the OPS show? DOLE® Organic Bananas and DOLE® Organic Tropical Gold® Pineapples, of course!

“Shoppers today have ever-increasing expectations for both suppliers and retailers to reflect their cares and values in-store offerings—including environmental sustainability, climate mitigation, health and wellness, social issues, and food security and safety,” Bil expresses. “Over the past 25 years of organic production, Dole has pushed these ideals into the forefront of our business, and incorporated many of the best practices learned from organics into our conventional farming operations, too. However, we are not complacent, continuing to learn and push forward organic farming.”

Bil concludes by pointing out that Dole consistently delivers superior organic produce to consumers and partners 52 weeks of the year.

Check out booth #904 at OPS for more details. I hope Dole is on your list of must-see companies—I know it is definitely on mine.