Dole staying put at Port of Wilmington

The fruit should keep flowing at the Delaware port now that Dole has reached a preliminary agreement on a long term deal.

After flirting with a moving out of Delaware, Dole Food Company announced an agreement in principle for a 15 year deal to stay at the Port of Wilmington.  The deal also gives Dole two options for 10-year extensions.  

“We are pleased that Dole has agreed to stay in Delaware and remain an important part of the Port of Wilmington,” said Alan Levin, who chairs the Diamond State Port Corporation.  Levin also heads up the Delaware Economic Development Office.  “Dole had other options for its business, but keeping Dole in Wilmington is a priority for the Port and we worked hard to reach terms that would do that.”

Dole had been considering a move of some deliveries to a new port being constructed in Paulsboro, New Jersey.  “The agreement in principle that we have reached will enable Dole to remain competitive and position it well for future growth,” said Dole’s Stuart Jablon.

Dole is the Port of Wilmington’s biggest customer and has been importing bananas, pineapples and other fruit since 1982.  It leases 37.5 acres at the port and its vessels average one call on the port per week all year long.