Dole bananas Costa Rica

Dole Food Company president and chief executive officer David DeLorenzo has this week highlighted his group's ongoing corporate responsibility and sustainability efforts in Central America.

Speaking at a forum organised by the Centre for Implementing Corporate Social Responsibility (CentraRSE) in Guatemala City, Mr DeLorenzo addressed some 560 local stakeholders, focusing on the subject of 'companies as actors for change'.

Mr DeLorenzo's introduction focused on Doles long-standing contribution to the development of communities in Central America, while he also outlined the group's efforts to address the company's 'three pillars of sustainability' - namely carbon footprint, water use and soil conservation.

'Dole always strives to be a responsible corporate citizen in all of the countries in which we operate,' said Mr DeLorenzo. 'Central America is a region in which we've been particularly active, whether it is building up the regional economy through infrastructure investment, creating local jobs, developing community programmes or partnering with local growers to implement sustainable agriculture programmes.

'In addition, wherever possible, Dole partners with global NGOs, research groups and other non-profits that bring additional expertise to very specific areas of corporate responsibility and sustainability,' he added.

During the discussion, Mr DeLorenzo also highlighted the attempts that Dole is making to engage regional partners for the benefit of its Central American workforce, including the group's participation in the World Banana Forum.