CHARLOTTE, NC - ​Dole Food Company is continually expanding its tropical fruit offerings, introducing new products and varieties to meet market and consumer demand for innovative and diverse high-quality produce.​ I sat down with Bil Goldfield, Director of Corporate Communications, to discuss further.

“In April 2024, Dole launched a comprehensive line of mangos, including Ataulfo, Tommy Atkins, Kent, Keitt, and Haden varieties. This year, we have expanded the program in every way, capitalizing on our scale and logistics to deliver more mangos from more sources year-round. DOLE Mangos are currently sourced from Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Brazil, Ecuador, and Peru,” Bil elaborated. “Each variety offers unique flavors and textures, catering to a wide range of consumer preferences—from lower fiber and very sweet to high fiber and more complex flavors.”

The mango program was introduced right on the heels of the 2023 introduction of the Golden Selection® Pineapples. Characterized by a deeper golden shell, richer golden flesh, and a delicate aroma, this premium pineapple was developed to provide Dole consumers with an exceptional sweetness experience. These pineapples are meticulously grown and ripened to perfection on the plant.

“In keeping with this annual trend, we are very excited about a new addition to our tropical fruit offerings later this year. While it’s too early to share details, we are very excited about this and anticipate it to be a true game changer for the category,” Bil teased. “These product developments underscore Dole's dedication to expanding our tropical fruit selection and delivering premium-quality produce to meet evolving consumer tastes.​”

Leveraging creative strategies to drive demand in the tropical category, Dole is launching a "Spirit of Ohana" promotion with Disney's Stitch from April 1 to July 30. Dole’s campaign is the latest in its nearly decade-long partnership with The Walt Disney Company, aimed at making nutrition and healthy eating more fun, adventurous, and welcoming.

“This five-month in-store, digital, and social media initiative is focused on the long-established hospitality themes of pineapples as well as the goodness, wellness, and joy that tropical fruit can bring to families and friends,” Bil told me. “The campaign kicked off April 2 and continues through the summer. Campaign elements include a dedicated destination website; millions of DOLE® Tropical Gold Pineapple hangtags and DOLE® Banana stickers; character-inspired recipes and gathering ideas; digital downloads; and educational, DIY, and other videos.”

Additional campaign specifics will be announced in the coming months, including ways for shoppers to extend their own spirit of Ohana to those in need of recognition, hospitality, or a sense of family. Dole is also collaborating with retailers to develop point-of-sale (POS) and other in-store materials to directly impact shoppers.

Bring the spirit of Ohana to your produce department and watch as shopper foot traffic heads toward the tropical display.