Dole Food Company is celebrating its 125th Pineapple Crowning Anniversary in 2026, marking a major milestone since James Drummond Dole planted his first crops in Hawaii back in 1901. This year-long celebration honors a legacy that transformed the pineapple from an obscure, exotic delicacy into a globally recognized symbol of hospitality and the spirit of aloha. From its main office in Charlotte to the fields of Oahu, Dole is commemorating over a century of innovation with a full slate of special events, recipes and community partnerships.
A Legacy of Innovation and Accessibility
The anniversary serves as a tribute to the pioneering mindset that transformed the industry. Bil Goldfield, director of corporate communications for Dole Food Company Inc., says of the enduring impact of the company’s founder:
“James Dole believed pineapples deserved a place on tables far beyond Hawaii, and 125 years later that vision still guides us. What started as one farm in Oahu has grown into a global connection point for people, cultures and communities through something as simple and joyful as a pineapple.”
According to Goldfield, the Dole 125th Pineapple Crowning Anniversary will also remind the public about the countless ways that Dole has helped shape a brighter future for the pineapple and produce industry, consumers and the planet since 1901 — ranging from the building of infrastructures and other important social support in communities for pineapple workers to advances in innovation and research for conventional and organic farming and The Dole Way, the company’s three-pronged global sustainability initiative.
“As the global pineapple and produce industry has grown because of Dole, so too has our obligation to lead in the protection of people, food and nature for future generations,” he says. “Our programs in water management, climate change, waste reduction, employee social equity and health and nutrition are helping to ensure another 125 years of Dole Pineapples and a happy, healthy global fanbase.”
Award-Winning Flavor: The Colada Royale
Central to the 2026 celebrations is the success of the Dole Colada Royale Pineapple, which was recently named the 2026 Best New Product for Fresh Fruit in a national survey of 10,000 American consumers. Naturally bred over 15 years at Dole’s oldest farm in Honduras, this groundbreaking variety offers distinct notes of coconut and contains two and a half times more vitamin B per serving than standard varieties.
The Colada Royale was the only fresh produce item honored in the 2026 BrandSpark International and Newsweek Awards, quickly becoming one of the most successful launches in the company’s history.
A Year of “Pineapple Fun”
Dole is inviting fans to participate in the festivities through a full slate of interactive experiences, digital content and community events. Highlights of the anniversary campaign include:
- International Pineapple Day (June 27): A major celebration featuring blood donation events with the American Red Cross, extending the fruit’s association with community and hospitality.
- Digital Engagement: A series of free downloads, including 125th Anniversary Royal Chef’s Hats, recipe books and personalized “Crowning Achievement” certificates.
- Social Showcases: The “Crown to Core 2026” series on Facebook and Instagram, sharing actionable tips and pineapple tricks throughout the year.
- Retail Activations: Commemorative anniversary tags on millions of Dole Royal Hawaiian Pineapples and dedicated in-store displays across North America.
Reflecting on the campaign’s goals, Goldfield added: “We’ve spent 125 years making pineapple more accessible, and this campaign continues in that spirit. Whether it’s through recipes, digital experiences or sharing inspirations and moments with Dole Pineapples, we want people to engage with the fruit in ways that feel personal, creative and fun.”
To mark its origins, Dole will launch commemorative Dole 125th Pineapple Crowning Anniversary tags on millions of Dole Royal Hawaiian Pineapples across the islands. The company is working with retailers throughout North America to bring the Dole 125th Pineapple Crowning Anniversary to shoppers through options such as dedicated display signage, point-of-purchase materials and other in-store activations.
For recipes, event calendars and more information on the Dole 125th Pineapple Crowning Anniversary, visit dole.com/125.
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