Port of San Diego celebrates 125 years of Dole

The Port Authority of San Diego is celebrating the 125th anniversary of Dole and honoring the company’s long-standing partnership and contributions to the region’s maritime industry. This celebration coincided with International Pineapple Day, which is celebrated on June 27.

Dole has been a valued maritime partner in the Port of San Diego for 25 years, importing pineapples, bananas, and other fruits and vegetables to Southern California. An interesting fact is that every Dole banana and pineapple found in grocery stores west of the Rocky Mountains is delivered through the Port of San Diego. The company’s regular shipping activities support the port’s workforce, create jobs, and attract additional maritime business.

Over the years, Dole has collaborated with the port on important environmental initiatives, including the early adoption of electric tractors, measures for shore power usage since 2014, and participation in the EPA Clean Ports Grant. In addition to operational and environmental responsibility, Dole has also supported local communities through donations, including school murals, school supplies, and fresh fruit donations.

Ann Moore, Chair of the Port Authority of San Diego, emphasized:

“Dole has been a vital partner for the Port of San Diego for decades, strengthening our maritime economy while driving innovation and environmental progress in our working environment. We are proud to celebrate Dole’s 125th anniversary and recognize the lasting contributions of the company to our region, from supporting well-paying maritime jobs to significant community partnerships.”

Dole was founded in 1901 by James Drummond Dole in Wahiawa, Hawaii, and helped make pineapples more accessible to families in the U.S. and around the world. Today, Dole continues to focus on innovation, such as the recent introduction of the traditionally bred, non-GMO pineapple variety Dole Colada Royale, developed on the company’s oldest pineapple farm in Honduras.

www.portofsandiego.org