Dole UK is proud of our position in the marketplace and for that reason we have taken a lead and created the Go Green sustainability program encouraging branches and business units across the group to undertake site based projects, and to set measurable sustainability targets aligned with Dole plc targets. Dole UK’s focus is energy management, water conservation, waste and circularity, sustainable agriculture, community engagement and diversity and inclusion.
Dole UK has a unique research and development site that explores all facets of the Dole Way nature, people and the future production systems for food. Inside a modern, environmentally controlled production unit we trial academic concepts that could one day help growers and farmers achieve net zero production. Current trials include alternative substrates and growing media, deep water hydroponics, novel solutions for increased production (nanobubbles, sugar dots) and robotics. A recent addition is an experimental vertical farm, focused on production and propagation beyond baby leaves.
Is our initiative designed to encourage all our facilities to actively engage in sustainability by setting up and committing to monthly activities to reduce waste, save water, help out in the local community and change the way we think and act.
In Dole, we have been working hard to reduce carbon emissions associated with our operations. In 2018, we transitioned the electricity supply across each of our national depots to renewable energy - delivering a reduction in emissions of 65% overall. In 2022 we began installing solar panels on our facilities, beginning in Ireland and in the UK we saw our first solar panels installed on our Spalding facility. Dole UK is currently investigating further installations in Edinburgh, Hereford and Bodmin.
Holistic Water for Horticulture
Dole UK is proud to be part of the Holistic Water for Horticulture (HWH) project, which applies a ‘whole system’ approach, working with growers and stakeholders in the Medway area to develop measures for sustainable water management around Kent berry production areas. HWH is one of several projects in vital sourcing catchment areas across the UK which supports collaborative action across the UK food chain to reduce water stress, food waste and greenhouse gas emissions, helping the UK produce industry meet key environmental goals.
The Alliance for Water Stewardship
We are committed to responsible water management across our supply chain. Through hydroponic growing systems, support for the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS), and participation in WRAP's Courtauld water programme, we are helping to drive more sustainable water use. We have also assessed water risks across all sourcing countries and implemented action plans to reduce impacts where they are greatest.
Innovative Growing Methods
We are exploring innovative growing methods through our dedicated vertical farming trial site. Using both ebb-and-flow and aeroponic systems, we propagate disease-free plants and assess the potential of vertical farming to support more sustainable and resilient food production.
When we asked our Dole UK branches what could they do to improve their sustainability credentials,, the over whelming response was to improve waste management. As part of our Go Green program we have started a case study in Leicester market with the support of the market manager and Biffa. We have audited the waste streams, calculated capacities and reviewed are equipment needs. The next stage is to start reporting the data to show other branches the benefits of sorting waste streams, compacting and working together with your waste management provider to continuously improve.
We are committed to reducing unnecessary packaging and continually review opportunities to remove, reduce, or replace plastic where practical. Through ongoing trials of innovative packaging solutions, we aim to maintain product quality, shelf life, food safety, and a low carbon footprint while increasing the use of more sustainable alternatives. We are also working to ensure compliance with evolving Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) requirements across our Dole EMEA operations.
At Dole, we have always been very careful about reducing the level of waste in our operations. It is closely monitored and minimised from farm to fork. We also try to collaborate with industry stakeholders, inspire and empower consumers and growers to reduce waste when it comes to fruits & vegetables. We have supported many WRAP initiatives over the years, most recently the WRAP on farm food waste project. Dole UK were proud to support a grower case study that aimed to motivate the supply chain, farm advisers and growers to support on-farm measurement of food waste and engage, collaborate in identifying whole chain solutions.
We have created a demonstration and development site focused on the future of food, showcasing innovative technologies and production methods to growers, customers, and colleagues. The site trials new approaches that reduce emissions, improve resource efficiency, and support more sustainable food production. By turning academic research into practical, commercially viable solutions, we help accelerate the adoption of sustainable farming practices.
Company Support
We are committed to supporting the wellbeing of our employees and ensuring help is available when it is needed. Through our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and partnership with GroceryAid, colleagues have access to wellbeing, emotional, and financial support. We also run regular wellbeing campaigns to promote self-care, encourage open conversations, and foster a supportive workplace culture. In addition, we are expanding our flexible benefits offering to provide employees with greater choice and support throughout their careers.
We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and able to be their authentic selves. We actively promote a culture of dignity, inclusion, and equal opportunity, recognising that our differences make us stronger. Initiatives such as the Women Leaders Network mentoring programme and enhanced maternity pay help support career development and foster a more inclusive workplace.
We are committed to maintaining responsible and transparent supply chains. All retail suppliers are registered on the Sedex platform, with SMETA audits in place for high-risk suppliers, helping us monitor and improve ethical, social, and environmental performance across our supply base. All retail suppliers also hold GlobalG.A.P., Red Tractor, or equivalent certification, and all suppliers are required to sign and adhere to our Terms of Trade.
We use Sedex to map and assess our supply chain, providing greater visibility and supporting sustainable business practices. Our sustainability performance is further evaluated through EcoVadis, a globally recognised ESG assessment platform that measures performance across environment, labour and human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement.
We are committed to supporting British agriculture by prioritising locally grown produce wherever it is available, commercially viable, and environmentally responsible. Working closely with a network of trusted UK growers, we provide agronomic, operational, and logistical support to help them meet industry standards and bring high-quality produce to market. Through our commercial and promotional expertise, we help ensure local produce remains at the heart of the offering we provide to customers across the UK.
We continue protecting workers' rights throughout our supply chain and play an active role in industry initiatives that drive meaningful change. This includes continued leadership and collaboration through programmes such as FNET, the Spanish Ethical Trade Forums, the Sustainable Worker Scheme (SWS) Taskforce, and supplier engagement initiatives in Egypt and Morocco.
Working alongside customers, suppliers, industry bodies, governments, and non-profit organisations, we help identify labour risks, strengthen worker protections, and support practical actions that promote ethical recruitment, fair treatment, and responsible sourcing across the fresh produce sector.
We are members of FNET, which is an initiative committed to improving the lives of workers in food supply chains. Through its collaborative work, FNET aims to improve labour conditions in agriculture and food processing, both in the UK and internationally, by setting industry-wide expectations and ensuring they are communicated and supported.
We also support the Egyptian Suppliers Ethical Trade (ESET) Forum, encouraging our growers to participate in capacity-building initiatives focused on worker welfare, worker voice, and addressing indicators of modern slavery.
We support the communities in which we operate and promote healthier lifestyles. Through partnerships with schools, health organisations, and community groups, we encourage greater fruit and vegetable consumption and help raise awareness of healthy eating. We also support work experience placements, invest in local sports teams connected to our food service depots, and contribute to industry initiatives such as the Better Berry Group.
