Today, we’ll be focusing on the economic implications of our activities from a sustainability perspective. More specifically, we will be demonstrating how, as a business, we’re committed to doing our business in the right way- aligning commercial sustainability with environmental and ethical considerations to drive consumption and promote best practices while meeting and exceeding the expectations of our broad set of stakeholders across the globe.
In Dole, were committed to empowering consumers. While our commitment to the pursuit of best agronomic and sustainable practices across everything we grow and source is well established, we know too that, increasingly, many consumers appreciate having the option to select organically produced fruits and vegetables. We were consequently very pleased to launch our DOLE GO Organic! range in Tesco Ireland in October last. Promising ‘Taste first. Planet, always’, the range has been developed to appeal to as broad a cohort of consumers as possible and has been promoted extensively in-store and online.
With DOLE GO Organic, as is always the case, we strive to integrate as much locally produce into our range as possible. We were consequently very pleased to bring carrots from an established, trusted local grower, Philip Draper, from Birr, Co. Offaly in under our new brand.
You can take a tour of Philips farm below, or visit the DOLE GO Organic website to find out more about our growing range.
Accessibility is key in selecting sustainable partners in production. Developed in 2020, the Dole Insights App is a powerful tool that helps our buyers and procurement experts quickly identify sustainability risks in the global fresh produce supply chain. Using 20 publicly available data points, the app profiles 51 countries based on key sustainability metrics like environmental and ethical risks. With a simple traffic light system, the app provides clear and immediate guidance, enabling better-informed decisions to benefit our customers, consumers, and communities.
Dole Ireland has a long and proud history of working hand in glove with local Irish producers. Maybe that’s not surprising given our origins can be traced back to orchards in Armagh in the 1850’s. Our introduction in late 2024 of Grá ‘Honeycrunch Apples’ is a case in point. The penetration of Irish apple sales in Ireland has fallen from 25% of overall sales 30 years ago to just 5% today. Part of the reason for this is a preference on the part of Irish consumers for newer varieties. Working in partnership with David Keane, a long established apple grower in County Waterford, we in Dole introduced the exceptional ‘Honeycrunch’ brand to Ireland in October 2024. Bringing together our capacity to innovate and the expertise and passion of local producers, we harbour high hopes that introducing new varieties like Honeycrunch will help revitalize the Irish apple sector and restore their pivotal position in the Irish market. You can take a tour of Croninaght Orchard below.
We’re excited to announce the upcoming launch of our Sustainability e-Learning Module, designed to deepen your understanding of sustainability and Dole’s commitment to responsible practices. This interactive training will soon be available to all Dole Ireland and Dole UK employees, covering essential topics from sustainability fundamentals and fresh produce standards to science-based targets and our role in reducing environmental impact.
Through this module, you’ll learn about Dole’s sustainable sourcing, the science driving our goals, and practical ways each of us can contribute to a greener future. Stay tuned for more details on how to access the course and participate in Dole’s journey toward a more sustainable world!
The Life is Better with Fruit and Vegetables campaign, funded in part by Dole Ireland, is an exciting initiative aimed at promoting the benefits of increased fruit and vegetable consumption for both personal health and the environment. Targeting primarily Millennials, this multi-country campaign spans across several EU nations, including Ireland and France, with a focus on delivering fun, educational, and feel-good content. The campaign's goal is to inspire people to live healthier, more sustainable lives by enjoying more fruits and vegetables. The campaign utilises a mix of digital advertising, influencer partnerships, and experiential events to engage audiences. Supported by key organisations such as Bord Bia in Ireland, Interfel and AIB in France, and Freshfel Europe, the initiative showcases the positive impact of a plant-based diet on both individual well-being and the planet. Through this collaboration, Dole Ireland plays an integral role in funding and driving the campaign's message of sustainability and healthy living.
Check out the Life is Better website for more information.
In Dole we’re committed to engaging, inspiring and empowering consumers to integrate ever more fruits & vegetables into their diet. Our range of digital platforms, be they websites or Social Media are critical in this regard. Doleireland.com, for example is a veritable one stop shop for all things fresh produce offering a huge selection of recipes alongside nutritional information, storage advice and advice of preparation. On social media, we remain committed to ‘finding the fun in fruit’, engaging consumers in a fun, contemporary way, eager always to place fresh fruits and vegetables at the very heart of everyday life.
Each day this week, you’ll have a chance to win a Dole Ireland picnic bag packed with goodies by answering a question from the day’s newsletter. On the final day, all participants will be entered into a grand prize draw for a voucher to stay at The Wren Hotel, Ireland’s most sustainable hotel. Don’t miss your chance to win and contribute to a greener future!
We want to hear from you! Share your ideas, get involved, and help us drive positive change at Dole Ireland. Reach out to me at sadhbh.mccarrick@doleireland.com — your input makes a difference!
And, don't forget to check out our Sustainability webpage for more information.
