Public Relations for CPG brand Dole (13+ years)
**Mission Objective**: Although Dole Food Company is recognized as the largest supplier of fresh fruits and vegetables worldwide, many consumers view produce as interchangeable—essentially, "a banana is just a banana." Despite decades of promotion of the health benefits associated with fruits and vegetables, there has been little change in Americans' consumption of fresh produce since the 1990s, with some individuals not incorporating any produce into their diets at all. Additionally, the growing uniformity of fruits and vegetables has masked Dole's long-standing commitment to nutritional excellence, its leadership in sustainable practices and fair-trade farming, and its strong ties to popular culture.
**Strategic Flight Plan**: Over more than 13 years, an array of integrated strategies has been implemented to reinforce Dole's position as the leader in global fresh produce. In an effort to encourage consumers to choose its brand in an industry dominated by commoditization, the Rocket Launch team collaborated with Dole to create distinctive narratives that set the brand apart from competitors in the produce aisle. This concentrated approach to highlighting Dole’s five unique value-driven attributes has enabled the company to maintain leadership in brand recognition, market presence, and consumer perceptions regarding product quality, innovation, and social value. To capitalize on Dole's reputation for health and wellness, Rocket Launch established the Dole Nutrition Expert Bureau. To emphasize its culinary legacy and the largest online recipe collection in the industry, the "Healthier by Dole" initiative was introduced, offering alternative recipes. Additionally, to showcase Dole's advancements in product development, its commitment to sustainability, and its connections to popular culture, the team emphasized the brand's leading new products, the global sustainability initiative known as The Dole Way, and a long-term healthy-living partnership with The Walt Disney Company.