CHARLOTTE, NC - Way back in 1899, four men in New Orleans, Louisiana, made a fateful decision that would impact the fresh produce world 125 years later. These men laid the groundwork for Dole Food Company to sell its famed DOLE® Bananas, and this year, the company is celebrating the milestone—the Dole 125^th Banana-versary—with an extensive campaign.

“From humble beginnings, Dole has become synonymous with bananas, forever changing the way we experience this delicious and nutritious fruit,” said William Goldfield, Director of Corporate Communication. “As we celebrate 125 years of growth, innovation, and our commitment to grow, process, and distribute our produce responsibly, we invite the world to join us on a journey that traces the deep roots of Dole's past and paves the way for a brighter future.”

The supplier has officially kicked off the first of 125 Ways to Be Bananas, a web and social media series of banana tips and recipes, digital downloads, engagement opportunities, and ways to share banana memories. According to a release, those visiting the Dole 125^th Banana-versary landing page can find an ever-expanding list of ways to celebrate their passion for the fruit in 2024.

Some of the things that consumers and retailers can find on the page include:

• Bunches of banana-focused breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, snack, and smoothie recipes created exclusively by Dole over the decades
• A series of free digital downloads and hands-on DIY activities celebrating all things DOLE Banana throughout 2024
• A showcase of “125 Ways to Be Bananas,” that includes fun, actionable banana tips, tricks, and engagements being shared on Dole’s Facebook and Instagram stories pages all year long
• Creation of a Dole Banana Hall of Fame that welcomes inductees—including restaurants, people, and places who continue to have a lasting appeal on the iconic nature and universal appeal of the fruit
• A growing calendar of Dole 125^th Banana-versary contests, events, proclamations, and partnerships, including appearances by Bobby Banana and Dole’s largest celebration of April 17’s National Banana Day in its history

The Dole 125^th Banana-versary will also showcase the countless ways that Dole has helped shape a brighter future for the banana and produce industry, consumers, and the planet since 1899, ranging from the building of infrastructures and other important social support in communities for banana workers to advances in research for conventional and organic farming and finally The Dole Way, the company’s three-pronged global sustainability initiative.

“As the global banana and produce industry has grown because of Dole, so too has our obligation to lead in the protection of people, food, and nature for future generations,” he said. “Our programs in water management, climate change, waste reduction, employee social equity, and health and nutrition are helping to ensure another 125 years of DOLE Bananas and a happy, healthy global fanbase.”

To learn more about this celebration, click here.

Cheers to Dole and 125 years of bananas!