Team DailyPedia
Ever wonder how Dole pineapples end up in cans?
We got the answer to this question after touring the cannery site of Dole Philippines, Incorporated (DoleFil) located in Polomolok, South Cotabato. The site visit was one of the most fulfilled and educational activities in our SoCCSKSarGen Experience Tour 2014.
The company which specialises in processing and exporting of fresh and processed pineapples is famous for providing healthy and world-class products all over the world specifically in the USA, Europe, and Asia. Aside from producing competitive food products, it is also responsible for providing jobs for people not only in South Cotabato but also North Cotabato, Sarangani, and Bukidnon.
Upon our arrival, we were oriented about the DoleFil’s mission. Participants got to see their products showcased in a long table. As a Dole product consumer since childhood, I recognised most of the products they presented.
Finally, it was time for us to see how Dole products are made. Since the company is very particular about the cleanliness and security of their facility, we were asked to wear Protective Personal Equipment (PPE) such as head pads, mask and boots inside processing plant.
We were fortunate to witness the whole production process that takes place in DoleFil’s industrial facilit,y from the unloading of fruits to the manual putting into containers. Most of the fruits used in the process came from their plantation in Mindanao.
The best part of our tour? Of course, we were given the opportunity to taste and even bring home their export-quality products. Since I am a chocolate-lover, my personal favorite was the “Strawberry and Banana dippers”. Even with the chocolate coating, the fruits still tasted fresh.
Unlike other companies, DoleFil is confident about their operations that they allow visitors like us to see how their products are manufactured. After the experience, I feel more secure in purchasing DoleFil’s food products.
