Dole Food Co Inc has completed the acquisition of Coastal Berry Co LLC, a leading producer of fresh California coastal strawberries and bushberries (raspberries and blackberries). With this acquisition, Dole should become the third-largest producer of fresh strawberries for 2004.
David H Murdock, chairman and chief executive officer of Dole, said, “We are extremely pleased with our acquisition of this producer of high-end fresh berries. This acquisition is a part of Dole’s strategy to expand its line of fresh products to better serve its customers and to provide consumers with nutritious, healthy products.”
With 2003 revenues of $4.8 billion, Dole is the world’s largest producer and marketer of fresh fruit, fresh vegetables and fresh-cut flowers. It also markets a line of frozen and packaged foods.