Monsanto and Dole Join Forces on New Project

by Susan Davis on 25/06/09 at 8:17 am

Monsanto Company Logo

Over the next five years, the Monsanto Company and Dole Fresh Vegetables,  Inc. will be combining their collective talents.  Their new, collaborative project will culminate in fresh, new products that give consumers enhanced choices when shopping for vegetables.  The partnership of these two giants will focus on plant breeding that will improve the nutrition, flavor, color, texture, taste and aroma of broccoli, cauliflower, lettuce and spinach.   Ultimately, these vegetables will have a longer shelf life and contain more nutrients.

Unlike some of the soy and corn products that Monsanto has engineered in the past, these products will not be genetically modified.  Dole will produce, distribute and market any new products coming from this collaboration.

“The consumer wins because Dole’s market knowledge combined with our research and development capabilities will help bring new healthy and flavorful products to consumers,” said David Stark, vice president of consumer traits at Monsanto, in a joint press release issued by the two companies.   “We are very excited and pleased to bring this focus to our business via this collaboration with Dole and its strong brand.”

Speaking on behalf of Dole was Roger Billingsley , senior vice president of research and development for Dole Fresh Vegetables. “Dole prides itself on innovation and bringing consumers high quality, nutritious, and great-tasting products,” said  Billingsley. “We are looking forward to collaborating closely with Monsanto to do just that.”

Monsanto’s experience in the agricultural arena will complement Dole’s knowledge of consumer needs and marketing in this unique partnership, which will ultimately benefit the consumer, who is looking for nutritious and long-lasting vegetable products.