Dole Philippines Inc., subsidiary of Dole Packaged Foods Worldwide, Awarded Rainforest Alliance Certification
Dole Packaged Foods Worldwide announced today that its Philippine subsidiary,…
Westlake Village, CA – August 7, 2013 – – Dole Packaged Foods Worldwide announced today that its Philippine subsidiary, Dole Philippines Inc. (Dolefil), has recently been awarded the Rainforest Alliance (RFA) Certification for its sustainable agricultural practices and environmental conservation initiatives. An audit was conducted from May 21-25, 2013 and the company passed with an outstanding 94% rating. Dolefil’s fresh and processed fruit operations are also certified for their compliance with the Sustainable Agriculture Network Chain-of-Custody requirements and for the Company’s ability to maintain RFA certified products to be manufactured without harm to the environment. “This Certification stands as a testament to Dolefil’s long-term commitment to the ideals of conservation and social well-being basic to sustainable development” stated Simon Denye, VP and Managing Director, Dolefil. He continued, “the whole Dolefil team works hard every day to have the highest standards in terms of Social and Environmental Management Systems, Ecosystem Conservation, Wildlife Protection, Water Conservation, Fair Treatment and Good Working Conditions for Workers, Occupational Health and Safety, Community Relations, Integrated Crop Management, Soil Management and Conservation, and Integrated Waste Management.” Annabelle S. Calicdan, Rainforest Alliance Consultant/Auditor commented, “I’ve covered Dolefil for four years on other certification programs. I observed farm practices that were amazingly evolving for its betterment when the company started implementing SAN standard. What is most striking are Dolefil’s soil and ecosystem conservation efforts. These two most important aspects will change the face of its pineapple fields in the future.” Dolefil is one of only two RFA Certified companies in the Philippines. The Certificate is valid from July 11, 2013 until July 10, 2016 and joins the roster of Dolefil’s international certifications such as ISO 14001, ISO 9001, Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production, and Global Good Agricultural Practice (Global GAP), among others. About Dole Packaged Foods Dole Packaged Foods LLC, a subsidiary of Dole International Holdings, is a leader in sourcing, processing, distributing and marketing fruit products and healthy snacks throughout the world. Dole markets a full line of canned, jarred, cup, frozen and dried fruit products and is an innovator in new forms of packaging and processing fruit. For more information on Dole International Holdings Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives please visit www.doleintlcsr.com.
