CHARLOTTE, NC - As we move into a more sustainable future, industry leaders are stepping up their game. Recently, Dole Food Company announced the release of its 2020 Corporate Responsibility and 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. “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.”

According to a press release, Dole’s sustainability report outlines an ambitious slate of initiatives under The Dole Way framework focused on tangible action directed toward five key goals:

• Positively impacting underserved communities and promise to donate no less than 2,500 tons of fresh fruit and produce by 2025
• Declaring a social premium for Dole branded bananas and pineapple and investing in the communities according to local needs
• Committing to reduce water usage while improving water quality in its operations
• Continuing to take action to promote healthy eating and nutrition education, with a special focus on youth
• Focusing 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.

“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.”

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.”

Roussel added, “Dole is absolutely committed to being part of the community of concerned citizens taking on the sustainability challenge.”

To view all of Dole’s achievements and goals in the 2020 Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Report, click here.

As we look to the mid-point of the new year, ANUK is anxious to see who will step up to the plate next in the sustainability arena.

Dole Food Company