Product Offerings
Products:
Fresh Fruits: Berries, Cherries, Tropical Fruits, Exotic Fruits
Vegetables: Salads, Leafy Greens, Root Vegetables
Dole UK Ltd is one of the United Kingdom’s premier importers and distributors of fresh fruit and vegetables, operating as part of the global Dole plc network. Based in Liverpool, the company ensures the seamless supply of high-quality fresh produce to retailers, wholesalers, and foodservice providers across the UK through a strategically managed import and distribution infrastructure.
Company History
Dole UK operates under the parent company Dole plc, one of the world’s largest producers and marketers of fresh fruits and vegetables. With a history dating back to the mid-19th century and global operations headquartered in Ireland, the Dole brand expanded its reach in the UK market through local subsidiaries, with Dole UK established as the key import and distribution arm.
Core Business
Dole UK’s core business lies in:
- Importation of fresh fruit and vegetables from partner farms across Europe, Latin America, Africa, and Southeast Asia.
- Ripening and cold chain management of perishables in UK-based facilities.
- Distribution to UK supermarkets, wholesalers, and foodservice operators.
The company is also a pioneer in sustainable sourcing and traceable supply chains within the fresh produce industry.
Product and Service Offerings
Dole UK’s extensive product portfolio includes:
-
Fresh Fruits:
- Berries: Strawberries, Blueberries, Raspberries
- Cherries: Imported seasonally from the US, Spain, and Chile
- Tropical Fruits: Bananas, Pineapples, Mangoes, Papayas
- Exotic Fruits: Lychees, Dragon Fruit, Passionfruit, Figs
-
Vegetables:
- Leafy Greens: Lettuces, Spinach, Kale
- Salads: Prepared salad mixes, coleslaw
- Root Vegetables: Carrots, Parsnips, Beetroot
These products are packaged for retail (under the Dole brand) or distributed in bulk for wholesale and foodservice use.
Specialization and Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
Dole UK differentiates itself through:
- Global Sourcing, Local Expertise: A vast supplier network spanning over 30 countries, with logistics tailored to UK distribution.
- Sustainability Commitment: Carbon-conscious transport, ethical farming programs, and plastic reduction initiatives.
- Cold Chain Excellence: Investments in ripening rooms and reefer logistics ensure peak freshness upon delivery.
- Traceability Technology: From field to fork visibility using blockchain and supplier mapping systems.
Financials
As part of Dole plc (NYSE: DOLE), the parent company reported consolidated global revenues of $9.2 billion in 2023. Dole UK Ltd contributes significantly to the European region, with estimated annual UK turnover exceeding £150 million, based on import volume and retail partnerships.
- Bananas and pineapples represent over 50% of total Dole UK volume by weight.
- The UK branch accounts for roughly 10% of total EMEA regional revenue for Dole plc.
Shipment and Import Records
According to UK customs and trade data:
- Dole UK imports over 250,000 metric tons of fresh produce annually.
- Top origins include Costa Rica, Ecuador, Spain, Chile, and South Africa.
- Over 4,500 container shipments processed through UK ports such as Dover, Portsmouth, and Liverpool Docks in 2024.
- Primary UK distribution is handled from cold storage hubs in Liverpool, Kent, and the Midlands.
Target Market
Dole UK supplies a wide range of clients, including:
- Major supermarkets (Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda)
- Wholesale distributors and fresh market traders
- Foodservice operators and meal kit companies
- Hospitality chains and institutional caterers
The company offers both branded and private label solutions tailored to client specifications.
Capabilities
Dole UK manages advanced operational facilities, including:
- Ripening centers for bananas and avocados with ethylene control systems.
- Refrigerated transport fleets and port partnerships for seamless logistics.
- Automated packing lines for retail-ready fruit and salad kits.
- QA laboratories and testing suites to ensure food safety and compliance.
Their integrated import-to-shelf model allows maximum freshness, minimal waste, and rapid scalability for seasonal demands.
Certifications and Compliance
Dole UK adheres to the highest standards of food safety and ethical sourcing, holding:
- BRCGS (British Retail Consortium) Certification
- GlobalG.A.P. Certification across its farming network
- Sedex Membership for ethical supply chain management
- ISO 14001 Environmental Certification
- LEAF Marque (Linking Environment And Farming) compliance on select produce
Customer Testimonials
“Dole’s bananas and berries continue to meet our highest standards—consistency, freshness, and shelf-life are always excellent.”
— Produce Buyer, UK Retail Chain
“The traceability features from Dole have improved our own sustainability reporting and helped us meet CSR goals.”
— Procurement Director, Hospitality Group
Major Achievements
- Recognized by UK supermarkets in 2023 for Best In-Class Supplier Performance
- Achieved a 98.5% on-time delivery rate across all chilled shipments in 2024
- Reduced single-use plastic packaging by 28% since 2021
- Launched digital traceability QR codes on retail fruit packs in 2023
- Participated in Food Waste Reduction Roadmap with WRAP and IGD, contributing to a 20% reduction in loss across their UK supply chain
Dole UK remains a cornerstone of the British fresh produce sector, combining global agricultural excellence with innovative, sustainable, and customer-focused logistics tailored for the modern food economy.