Dole plc confirmed its decision to join European fresh produce association Freshfel during this past Earth Day in hopes of continuing its environmental efforts and improving the quality of its products.
“Our participation in this timely and worthwhile project reflects our core values and our preferred approach to promoting sustainability across the fresh produce sector,” VP of sustainability, Dole EMEA Vincent Dolan, said in a press release. “Specifically, it illustrates our commitment to the adherence to best sustainable practices throughout our operations, the importance of the promotion of transparency across the supply chain and the value we place on constructive engagement with fellow stakeholders.”
Through its newfound collaboration with leading members of the association, the company hopes to make use of an innovative footprint methodology and digital tool to detect the state of the fresh produce sector’s supply chain, production and consumption in the region, according to a press release.
“Freshfel Europe, with its extensive membership spanning the entire supply chain from producers to retailers, is best placed to act as the platform for the initiative’s work,” Freshfel Europe director, Sustainability and Health, Nicola Pisano, said in a press release. “More than ever before both the methodology and digital tool are much needed by the fresh fruit and vegetable sector.”
The association’s strategy correlates with the Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) methodology suggested by the European Union and led by the European Commission amid its effort to enforce its sustainability labeling structure.
“Our shared objective is to develop an objective, standardized environmental footprint methodology, database and digital tool for the fresh produce sector that is broadly accepted by the industry, stakeholders and consumers,” a Dole press release states.