Dole Food Company Inc (NYSE: DOLE) has acquired all of the capital stock of the parent of SunnyRidge Farm Inc, one of the top fresh blueberry companies in the United States. SunnyRidge also sources and sells blackberries, strawberries, and raspberries.
David A DeLorenzo, president and chief executive officer of Dole Food Co, said, “We are very pleased with our acquisition of SunnyRidge Farm and welcome their management team, employees and growers into the Dole family. Their premium blueberry and blackberry operations are an excellent strategic complement to our existing fresh and frozen berry operations, both of which have previously focused on strawberries. Blueberries and blackberries are some of the fastest-growing items in the produce category and also amongst the most nutritious fruits. The SunnyRidge acquisition lets us advance our commitment to providing the consumer with an ever-growing array of healthful, nutritious fruits and vegetables.”
Keith D Mixon, president of SunnyRidge Farm, said, “We at SunnyRidge Farm, including the Mixon family, are proud and delighted to be joining one of the world’s great food companies. We share Dole’s passion for improving consumer health and nutrition, and look forward to building the business further within the Dole family of companies.”
Dole produces and markets fresh fruit and fresh vegetables, and produces organic bananas. It markets a growing line of packaged and frozen fruit and provides produce industry nutrition education and research.
