GULFPORT, MS – Dole Fresh Fruit Co. is expected to sign a new lease with the Port of Gulfport in Gulfport, Mississippi.

Jonathan Daniels, the Mississippi Port Authority Executive Director and CEO, told the Sun Herald that the company’s lease is expected to last for at least 13 years and has renewal options that extend through 2037. "It's great news for the port; it's great news for the region as a whole," Daniels said.

“Dole has been a valued member of the Port of Gulfport family for 50 years, and we look forward to many more years of partnership and success,” MS Governor Phil Bryant said in a release.  “The progress currently underway at the Port will enhance Dole’s ability to complete effectively in a global market and allow them to expand their economic footprint in the Gulf Coast region.”

Dole currently occupies more than 140,000 square feet of warehouse space as well as 24 acres of open storage and container parking space on the port’s east pier, according to a press release.

With this new agreement, Dole will move to the west pier, which encompasses almost 40 acres and will allow the company to increase container storage capacity by almost 50%.  The new warehouse complex will increase dry storage capacity and includes construction of 20,000 square feet of temperature-controlled space.

Barry Jung, Director of North American Terminal Operations for Dole Fresh Fruit Company, added, “We are confident that our decision to stay in Gulfport will maintain Dole’s position as a leader in the fresh fruit market and Gulfport’s geographic location, ease to market, combined with our new terminal, creates a highly efficient environment for our import and export activities.”

Dole’s current lease was set to expire in 2017.  Congratulations on the expansion!

Dole