Dole France is proud to announce a new partnership with Primever to revive the Port of Sète in Southern France as a key hub for fruit imports. This collaboration represents a significant milestone in further optimising our supply chain and emphasises our determination to deliver an ever more sustainable and efficient route to market for our produce, linking as it does the strategic ports of Las Palmas and Valencia, before arriving in Sète every Friday.
In 2023, Dole France (part of Dole plc) invested in a state-of-the-art ripening facility in Sète, equipped with modern chambers for bananas, avocados, and mangoes. The welcome arrival of our first vessel last Friday, March 7th was therefore an important next step in our ongoing journey.
Prioritising Sustainability with Maritime Transport
This new logistics model will streamline our operations, reducing costs and significantly lowering our carbon footprint. By focusing on maritime transport and cutting back on road freight for deliveries across southern France, we are improving supply chain efficiency, streamlining distribution, and reducing CO₂ emissions. Our use of citrus packing facilities within the terminal will yield further dividends in terms of cost savings. The direct shipping line from West and South Africa also creates new connections to South America, ensuring a steady flow of produce to southern France and the Mediterranean region while broadening our fruit sourcing options. Looking ahead to the second half of 2025, optimised shipping routes will strengthen our ties with South America even further. With this initiative, Dole France reaffirms its commitment to responsible, high-performance logistics — benefiting our customers, consumers, partners and the planet.
Ship- the first ship to arrive as part of Dole France’s new initiative.
Aerial Shots X 2- Sète Port
Contact:
Vincent Dolan, Corporate Communications, Dole plc
vincent.dolan@doleireland.com
+353 86 820 4936