DUBLIN, IRELAND - Dole plc released its financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2026.

First Quarter Highlights

• Solid start to the year: 11.6% revenue growth reflecting positive momentum across the Group
• Robust consumer demand across our key markets, supported by evolving dietary preferences, GLP-1 adoption, and broader health and wellness trends
• Strong performance in Diversified Fresh Produce - Americas & ROW and growth in Diversified Fresh Produce - EMEA partially offsetting lower result in Fresh Fruit
• Net Income of $37.7 million and Diluted EPS of $0.33
• Adjusted EBITDA1 of $100.3 million; in line with our expectations
• Adjusted Net Income1 of $31.2 million and Adjusted Diluted EPS1 of $0.33
• Post quarter end, regulatory approval received for sale of port in Ecuador; completion expected before end of second quarter

Commenting on the results, Carl McCann, Executive Chairman, said in the recent release:

“We are pleased with our solid start to the year. Robust consumer demand in our key markets is driving revenue growth and contributing to positive momentum across the Group.

While we are experiencing complexity in the operating environment due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, we believe the strength of our broad and resilient business model positions us well to manage these evolving conditions.

We continue to target full year Adjusted EBITDA of at least $400 million.”

Group Results - First Quarter

Revenue increased 11.6%, or $242.8 million, primarily due to positive operational performance across all segments, mainly due to higher worldwide pricing in Fresh Fruit, and a favorable impact from foreign currency translation of $96.2 million. On a like-for-like basis, revenue increased 7.0%, or $146.6 million.

Gross Profit increased $2.8 million, primarily due to higher revenue, partially offset by higher cost of sales which were impacted by higher fruit sourcing costs in the Fresh Fruit segment.

Operating Income decreased $5.9 million primarily due to higher SMG&A expenses and higher gains on asset sales in the prior year following the sale of land in Hawaii.

Net Income decreased to $37.7 million from $44.2 million in the prior year. This decrease was due to lower Operating Income, higher tax charges and lower equity method earnings, as the prior year included the benefit of a non-cash gain of $6.9 million on a M&A transaction relating to an equity method investment. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in other income due primarily to fair value adjustments of financial instruments and lower interest expense.

See the full report here.

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - The Produce Moms® is participating as an educational partner of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Freedom 250 efforts through the Feed It Onward initiative, joining a cohort of leading brands and organizations committed to reducing food waste, strengthening families, and honoring American ingenuity through powerful storytelling.

Feed It Onward is a national, partner-driven initiative that spotlights successful efforts to keep food in use and out of landfills, elevating real-world stories from farms, companies, grocery retailers, waste operators, and nonprofits. As part of EPA’s contribution to Freedom 250, the initiative celebrates the 250th birthday of the United States by honoring the people who keep this country moving forward.

By partnering with Feed It Onward, The Produce Moms will leverage its consumer platforms and fresh produce expertise to help tell these stories in ways that resonate with families, retailers, and educators. Through its digital channels, podcast, media appearances, and branded products, The Produce Moms will highlight the people and partnerships turning surplus food into family meals and practical solutions that support local communities.

"Feed It Onward is about showcasing solutions, like those championed by The Produce Moms, that are already making a difference and expanding their impact nationwide,” said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin in the recent release. “As I’ve traveled across the country and met with partners in communities large and small, I’ve seen firsthand the pride people take in stepping up and making a difference locally. That spirit of innovation, responsibility, and community leadership makes this country strong, and it’s exactly the kind of momentum we need more of across America."

According to EPA’s 2025 report, Estimating the Cost of Food Waste to Consumers, more than one-third of all food in the United States goes uneaten and often ends up in landfills, the largest single component of landfill materials. The report estimates the cost of food waste to each U.S. consumer - defined as the price paid for food (edible parts only) that is not eaten - to be $728 per year, or $14 per week. For a household of four (scaling proportionally to the per capita estimate), the estimated annual cost of food waste is $2,913, with a weekly cost of $56. This represents approximately 11 percent of an American consumer’s food expenditures (both within and outside of the home), based on the USDA’s Food Expenditure Series.

Feed It Onward tells the stories behind those solutions. It shines a light on the people and partnerships solving problems through action, not talk, showing how practical approaches can protect resources, strengthen local economies, and inspire others to do the same. Through this partnership, The Produce Moms will help bring these stories to life for its global community of produce-loving families and industry partners.

“The Produce Moms supports the view that food is too valuable to waste, which complements our mission to ensure fruits and vegetables belong on every table,” said Lori Taylor, Founder & CEO of The Produce Moms. “As a participant in the EPA’s Feed It Onward initiative, we’re honored to help tell the stories of innovators, farmers, and community leaders who are proving that common-sense solutions can reduce food waste, save families money, and strengthen our food system.”

Learn more about the Feed It Onward initiative by visiting epa.gov.

Participation does not constitute endorsement by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

SALISBURY, NC - Leading grocery retail group Ahold Delhaize USA announced that Vipin Gopal, Ph.D., has joined the company as Senior Vice President. In the role, he will serve as the chief data and artificial intelligence (AI) officer for the U.S. businesses.

Reporting to Chief Information Officer Ann Dozier, he will lead data, analytics, and artificial intelligence strategy and advance Ahold Delhaize USA’s efforts to further embed data-driven decision-making and AI capabilities into its business, a press release stated. He will play a critical role in transforming enterprise data foundations, accelerating responsible AI adoption, and enabling greater value creation in support of the company’s Growing Together strategy.

“Vipin brings deep expertise in data, analytics, and AI, along with a strong track record of transforming organizations at scale,” said Dozier. “As we continue to modernize our digital, data, and technology capabilities, his leadership will be instrumental in helping us build a strong data center of excellence and unlock differentiated value for our customers, brands, and associates.”

With more than 25 years of experience leading large-scale digital, data, and AI transformations for Fortune 100 companies, Gopal most recently served as Chief Data and Analytics Officer at Eli Lilly and Company and Walgreens Boots Alliance. In those roles, he was responsible for enterprise-wide data and AI strategy, the development and deployment of advanced analytics and AI solutions, and the modernization of data platforms.

Previously, Gopal held senior leadership roles at Humana, Cigna, United Technologies Corporation, and Honeywell. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of Concentra, the largest occupational health services company in the United States.

An award-winning leader in the data and analytics field, Gopal was named the inaugural Global Executive of the Year by Chief Data Officer Magazine in 2022 and was ranked second globally among Chief Data & Analytics Officers by Technology Magazine in 2024. His thought leadership has appeared in publications including Harvard Business Review, MIT Sloan Management Review, Scientific American, Nature and Forbes.

Gopal holds a doctorate from Carnegie Mellon University, an MBA from the NYU Stern School of Business, and a Bachelor of Technology from IIT Bombay.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to support Ahold Delhaize USA’s trusted omnichannel brands in unlocking new value through data, analytics, and AI by enabling smarter decisions, greater efficiency, and better experiences for customers and associates,” said Gopal.

A top destination for IT talent, in 2026, Ahold Delhaize USA was named a Top Employer in the U.S. by the Top Employers Institute for the second year in a row. The company also holds many prestigious designations, such as Progressive Grocer’s Top 100 Food Retailers in North America and Built-In’s Best Places to Work in the technology sector. In addition, Ahold Delhaize USA associates are regularly recognized on lists for being top women in grocery and industry-leading emerging talent. Interested applicants can search open roles by visiting the careers page of the Ahold Delhaize USA website.

VALENCIA, CA - Sunkist Growers, Inc., announced the appointment of Anuj Girdhar as Chief Financial Officer.

Girdhar brings more than 20 years of financial leadership experience within the agriculture and beverage industries, with a strong background in strategic planning, operational finance, and business growth. In his role at Sunkist, he will oversee the company’s Finance, Accounting, Strategy & Innovation, and Information Technology teams, partnering closely with leadership across the organization to support continued operational and strategic growth.

Most recently, Girdhar served as Chief Financial Officer at O’Neill Vintners & Distillers, where he led financial planning, reporting, and operational finance initiatives in a growth-focused environment. Prior to that, he held leadership roles at E. & J. Gallo Winery, including Director of Financial Planning & Analysis.

“Anuj brings extensive financial and operational leadership experience, along with a strong understanding of agriculture-focused businesses,” said Jim Phillips, President & CEO of Sunkist Growers, Inc., in the recent release. “His strategic mindset, collaborative approach, and industry background make him a strong addition to our leadership team as we continue positioning the cooperative for long-term success.”

As CFO, Girdhar will oversee financial operations and strategic planning initiatives across the Sunkist Growers and FGS organizations, supporting continued alignment, operational growth, and long-term strategic objectives. His appointment marks another step in the continued evolution of the shared management structure between Sunkist and FGS, supporting a long-term strategy centered on operational alignment, innovation, and sustainable growth.

“I’m honored to join Sunkist and be part of such a respected and growth-focused organization,” said Anuj Girdhar. “Having grown up with the Sunkist brand, I’ve long admired the company’s heritage and reputation. I’m excited to work alongside the team to support the cooperative’s future growth and continued success.”

For more information, visit www.sunkist.com.

CASTROVILLE, CA - In a world where busy schedules rule our lives, consumers need all the help they can get in the kitchen. Convenience in food prep can make a real difference, especially when it doesn’t come at the expense of flavor or nutrition. Ocean Mist® Farms understands the reality families face and the need for options that deliver on all fronts: fresh, nutritious, flavorful, and easy to prepare.

“With this in mind, the company is focused on developing value-added innovations that bring together the exceptional quality of our premium fresh vegetables with bold and unique flavor options, along with the promise of easy prep,” Jeff Hutterer, Director Value-Added Sales, began telling me. “Two such innovations are the newly developed Roastables and Heartichokes.”

Roastables prep-ready kits feature washed-and-trimmed vegetables, including halved Brussels sprouts, broccoli florets, and cauliflower florets—each paired with a chef-crafted seasoning packet and a crispy topping for added texture. Ready in just 15–20 minutes, they offer a simple path to a fresh, flavorful dish. The line now includes seven different SKUs, each with its own seasoning developed especially to complement the vegetables.

Heartichokes—Ocean Mist Farms’ latest, and first-to-market, innovation—feature trimmed and quartered tender artichokes, ready to use right out of the package.

“While artichokes can feel intimidating to some consumers, and prep time often puts them out of reach for weeknight meals, Heartichokes remove those barriers entirely,” Lori Bigras, Communications Manager, pointed out. “Available in two chef-crafted flavors—Lemon Butter and Savory Parm—along with an Unseasoned option for those who prefer to use their own signature spices, the line makes it simple to create a quick, flavorful side or serve as a versatile base for a wide range of dishes.”

These latest innovations from Ocean Mist take care of much of the prep work required to bring these dishes to life, delivering meaningful value for today’s time-pressed consumers. But convenience only goes so far; flavor and freshness have to deliver for the win. That’s where Ocean Mist Farms stands apart, with a commitment to providing both, without compromise.

“Since launching the first phase of our Roastables line at the IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show in 2024, the feedback has been consistent: Consumers love the variety of flavors and, of course, the quick and easy preparation necessary with our new innovations. But what stands out most is what families are discovering at the dinner table. Kids are actually enjoying vegetables,” Jeff continued. “We’ve also heard several comments along the lines of ‘My husband and I can’t believe our kids actually love Brussels sprouts!’”

Value-added, convenience-driven foods—especially those that are fresh, healthful, and minimally processed—are more than just on trend; they’re here to stay. That’s why Ocean Mist remains focused on developing products that showcase its premium fresh vegetables while delivering flavor profiles that appeal to every palate at the table.

For a deep dive on more produce innovations, keep coming back to ANUK.