Dole has become synonymous with bananas, forever changing the way we experience this delicious and nutritious fruit. As we celebrate 125 years of growth, innovation, and commitment with farming the iconic yellow fruit, we invite you to join us on a journey that traces the roots of Dole's past and paves the way for a brighter future.
From Our Farms to Your Table
1899 - A Seed is Planted:
It all began when Joseph, Felix and Lucca Vaccaro along with Salvador D'Antoni pooled their resources and began importing bananas to New Orleans from La Ceiba, Honduras in 1899 (just months before Jim Dole landed in Hawaii). They started the Standard Fruit Company, laying the foundation for what would become Dole Bananas.
Beyond the Peel: A Legacy of Innovation
Dole's journey has been marked by groundbreaking advancements:
- 1924: Funding and building the Vicente d’Antoni Hospital for banana workers in Honduras.
- 1950s: Pioneering boxed shipping ensured safe and efficient transport across continents.
- 1970s: Dole becomes a leader in organic farming, paving the way for sustainable practices.
From Fruit Bowl to Global Icon:
Dole didn't just deliver bananas; they helped make them a ubiquitous part of daily life:
- Recipes and marketing campaigns: Inspiring generations to enjoy bananas in countless ways.
- Nutrition research and education: Promoting the health benefits of this superfood.
- Sustainability and social programs: Supporting farming communities and environmental initiatives.
125 Years and Counting: The Future Beckons
Dole's dedication to growth never sleeps. We're constantly investing in cutting-edge research and development, exploring areas like:
- Disease-resistant banana varieties: Safeguarding future harvests and banana accessibility worldwide.
- Precision agriculture: Optimizing water and resource usage for sustainable banana cultivation.
- Next-generation packaging: Minimizing waste and environmental impact throughout the banana journey.
Dole's Ultimate Banana Cookbook
Get ready to savor every major banana flavor with our new, Ultimate Banana Cookbook! Free to download this booklet hosts a curated list featuring 35 of our favorite banana recipes. From savory to sweet, breakfast to dinner, beverages to sauces, this cultivated list of banana bliss is sure to have every palate tingling with delight. Enjoy!
Dole Banana Hall of Fame
Come celebrate our latest inductees with us! Our Dole Banana Hall of Fame was created to honor those culinary and cultural institutions that have played a pivotal role in making the banana a universal symbol for simple nutrition, goodness, flavor, and fun. We thank each one of them for their ongoing contributions to the lore, legacy, and global appeal of the quintessential yellow fruit.
Check back often as we add new inductees throughout 2024! Banana lovers can nominate their own favorite banana icons – from people and places to banana dishes, drinks, and desserts to bananas in film, TV, music, and popular culture – by using the hashtag #DoleBananaVersary on any Dole social media page.
Dole Banana-Versary Downloads
Bring the iconic love of Dole Bananas into your home with unique Dole 125th Banana-Versary printable games, activities, and more! From a full-scale banana party kit to banana fortune tellers and an activity book filled with banana-centric activities, cut-outs and educational fun, there’s something delicious for everyone to enjoy.
Dole 125th Banana-Versary Recipes
Celebrate our 125th Banana-Versary in the most delicious way! Bring bananas into your kitchen through this curated selection of our favorite Dole banana recipes. From sweet to savory, we have something for every palate!
Looking for more, check out our Recipes section in the site menu.
Join the Celebration!
Throughout 2024, Dole will be celebrating our 125th year of bananas experience with bunches of fresh content, exciting events, and special programs, such as limited-edition stickers, contests and community engagement initiatives.
As we celebrate, we invite you to join the festivities!
- Explore our social: Get the latest info, delve into Dole's rich history and groundbreaking milestones.
- Share your favorite Dole memories: Use #DoleBananas125 to tell us how Dole has touched your life.
- Get inspired by our recipe collection: Discover endless ways to enjoy the versatility of bananas and sign up for our nutrition newsletter.
- Learn about our sustainability efforts: See how Dole is shaping a brighter future for bananas and the planet with The Dole Way.
Together, let's raise a banana to 125 years!
#DoleBananas125 #BananasForTheFuture