Dole Strengthens Nordic Fresh Produce Business with Acquisition of Greenfood’s Fresh Produce Division
Dole plc has announced the successful completion of its previously announced acquisition of Greenfood AB’s Fresh Produce division (GFP) through its subsidiary, Dole Nordic AB. The transaction marks another strategic milestone in Dole’s long-term growth strategy, significantly strengthening the company’s presence across Sweden, Finland, and the broader Nordic region while enhancing its ability to serve customers with a more efficient and technologically advanced fresh produce supply chain.
The acquisition represents a major investment in Dole’s Nordic operations and reinforces the company’s commitment to delivering high-quality fresh fruits and vegetables through an expanded distribution network, improved logistics capabilities, and greater operational efficiency. By integrating Greenfood’s Fresh Produce division into its existing business, Dole aims to build one of the region’s strongest fresh produce platforms, capable of supporting future growth and responding to increasing consumer demand for healthy, fresh, and sustainably sourced food.
Expanding Dole’s Presence in the Nordic Market
The Nordic countries have become increasingly important markets for fresh produce as consumers continue to prioritize healthier eating habits, convenience, and sustainable food choices. Sweden and Finland, in particular, have witnessed steady demand for premium-quality fruits and vegetables, creating significant opportunities for suppliers capable of maintaining consistent product quality and reliable distribution.
With the completion of the acquisition, Dole Nordic AB gains access to Greenfood’s well-established customer relationships, experienced workforce, and operational expertise. These assets complement Dole’s existing capabilities and create a stronger regional organization capable of delivering an expanded range of fresh produce solutions to retailers, foodservice operators, wholesalers, and other customers throughout the Nordic region.
The acquisition also strengthens Dole’s ability to optimize sourcing, improve product availability, and respond more effectively to seasonal fluctuations in demand while maintaining the high quality standards for which the company is recognized globally.
A State-of-the-Art Distribution Facility
One of the most significant assets included in the acquisition is Greenfood’s modern fresh produce distribution facility located in Helsingborg, Sweden. Covering approximately 26,500 square meters, the facility provides Dole with a strategically located logistics hub designed to support efficient handling, storage, and distribution of fresh produce across the Nordic markets.
Helsingborg has long served as one of Sweden’s most important logistics centers due to its excellent transport infrastructure and proximity to major shipping routes connecting Scandinavia with the rest of Europe. The location enables faster deliveries, shorter transportation times, and improved supply chain efficiency.
The newly acquired facility provides significant room for future expansion and modernization. Dole plans to invest in next-generation warehouse technologies that will further enhance productivity and operational performance.
Investing in Advanced Warehouse Technology
As part of its long-term strategy, Dole intends to transform the Helsingborg facility into a highly efficient logistics center equipped with advanced technologies designed to improve warehouse operations.
Planned investments include:
- Advanced warehouse automation systems
- Robotics for material handling and order fulfillment
- Modern inventory management solutions
- Enhanced warehouse logistics capabilities
- Digital technologies to improve operational visibility and efficiency
These technological upgrades are expected to streamline workflows, reduce manual processes, improve order accuracy, and accelerate delivery times for customers throughout the region.
Automation also enables better inventory control, minimizing food waste while ensuring products remain fresh throughout the distribution process. By adopting modern logistics technologies, Dole aims to create a more resilient and responsive supply chain capable of meeting evolving customer expectations.
Strengthening Customer Service
The integration of Greenfood’s Fresh Produce division will enable Dole to broaden its customer offering by combining complementary product portfolios, logistics expertise, and distribution capabilities.
Retailers and foodservice customers increasingly seek suppliers capable of delivering reliable year-round availability, flexible delivery schedules, and consistent product quality. The expanded Nordic platform positions Dole to meet these expectations more effectively.
Customers are expected to benefit from:
- Improved product availability
- Expanded fresh produce assortment
- Faster and more reliable deliveries
- Enhanced supply chain efficiency
- Greater operational flexibility
- Continued focus on quality and freshness
The combined organization is also expected to improve procurement efficiencies by leveraging larger purchasing volumes and a broader supplier network.
Welcoming Experienced Employees
An important component of the acquisition is the addition of Greenfood’s experienced workforce to Dole Nordic AB.
Commenting on the completion of the transaction, Niels Klem Thomsen, CEO of Dole Nordic AB, emphasized the value that GFP employees bring to the organization.
We are pleased to welcome GFP colleagues to our organisation – a team of skilled people who have consistently delivered value to their customers. Together, we will strengthen our Nordic platform, enhance our customer offering and create a stronger foundation to support growth in fresh produce consumption across the region.”
The integration of experienced employees is expected to ensure continuity for customers while preserving valuable operational knowledge and long-standing industry relationships. Dole also expects the combined workforce to foster innovation and collaboration as the businesses work together under a unified strategy.
Supporting Growth in Fresh Produce Consumption
Consumer preferences continue to shift toward healthier lifestyles, increasing demand for fresh fruits and vegetables across Europe. Governments, healthcare organizations, and nutrition experts have consistently encouraged higher consumption of fresh produce as part of balanced diets.
The Nordic countries are among the regions experiencing sustained demand for premium fresh produce, driven by growing health awareness, urbanization, and changing dietary habits.
Through this acquisition, Dole aims to position itself to better support these long-term consumption trends by improving product availability, strengthening distribution capabilities, and expanding its ability to supply retailers with high-quality fresh produce.
The company believes that increased operational efficiency and stronger regional infrastructure will enable it to respond more effectively to future market growth opportunities.
Enhancing Supply Chain Resilience
Global food supply chains continue to face challenges including transportation disruptions, labor shortages, rising operating costs, and changing consumer expectations.
By expanding its physical infrastructure and investing in automation, Dole seeks to build a more resilient supply chain capable of adapting to these evolving market conditions.
The larger distribution network is expected to improve operational flexibility while reducing dependence on individual facilities. Enhanced inventory management systems and automated warehouse processes should also improve forecasting accuracy and optimize stock levels.
These improvements support Dole’s broader objective of ensuring reliable product availability while minimizing operational risks.
Sustainability Opportunities
Although the announcement primarily focuses on operational expansion, the investment in modern logistics infrastructure also supports Dole’s broader sustainability ambitions.
Advanced warehouse technologies can contribute to:
- Reduced food waste through improved inventory management
- Lower energy consumption via modern equipment
- More efficient transportation planning
- Better utilization of warehouse space
- Reduced operational inefficiencies
These improvements align with growing industry efforts to build more sustainable food supply chains while maintaining high service standards.
Long-Term Strategic Vision
The acquisition reflects Dole’s ongoing strategy of strengthening its leadership position in key international markets through targeted investments and strategic acquisitions.
Rather than simply expanding its geographic footprint, Dole is focusing on building integrated regional platforms that combine sourcing expertise, advanced logistics, technology investments, and customer-focused services.
The addition of Greenfood’s Fresh Produce division represents an important step toward achieving these objectives in the Nordic region.
By combining Dole’s global sourcing capabilities with Greenfood’s established regional operations, the company expects to create a stronger, more competitive business capable of delivering greater value to customers, suppliers, employees, and other stakeholders.
About Dole plc:
A global leader in fresh produce, Dole plc grows, markets, and distributes an extensive variety of fresh produce sourced locally and from around the world. Dedicated and passionate in exceeding our customers’ requirements in over 85 countries, our goal is to make the world a healthier and a more sustainable place.
