WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Dole Fresh Fruit Company, a subsidiary of Dole Food Company, Inc., announced that the company was awarded the “Friend of the Seafarer” award by the Wilmington Seamen’s Center.
The award, handed out during the Annual Banquet event held November 11 at the Port of Wilmington in Delaware, is in recognition of the exceptional treatment and conditions Doles seafarers and maritime employees receive both on the vessel and at its terminal; as well as for the companys on-going support of the organization.
In attendance to accept the award, Mr. Stuart Jablon, Vice President of Operations for Dole North America, based in Wilmington expressed the companys thanks to the Center’s Executive Director, Ms. Joan Lyons and her volunteers on behalf of all the tenants of the port for the great service that they perform in support of the crews.
Mr. Robert Mant, Vice President of Operations for Dole Fresh Fruit Internationals Reefership Marine Services the companys ship management division based in San Jose, Costa Rica, echoed Mr. Jablons sentiments, and added, I am very proud of this award and our teams. This group, assisted by a team of coordinators, and significantly by the ship’s Captains and Chief Engineers are the ones that have raised the standards of how Dole interacts and treats our seagoing staff and continuously strives to improve the work place for them.
The Wilmington Seamen’s Center provides a safe, friendly “home away from home” environment for seafarers, providing opportunities for relaxation, recreation, and spiritual support.
Dole Food Company, Inc., with 2008 net revenues of $7.6 billion, is the worlds largest producer and marketer of high-quality fresh fruit and fresh vegetables. Dole markets a growing line of packaged and frozen fruit and is a produce industry leader in nutrition education and research.
Source: Dole Food Company Inc.