All suppliers must have traceability back to origin in order to supply Dole Fresh UK. Each supplier has a box coding identification system, this details the following:

• Farm code / Packhouse
• Date of Production
• Country of Origin
• Class of fruit i.e. class 1 or class 2

(In addition, suppliers will apply a unique barcode to each pallet to allow them to lot track the fruit).

Once the fruit is allocated a vessel a report is sent to us detailing the number of boxes per pack type and the number of boxes per farm code. The procurement and allocation team will then release a Consignment number for each pack type, on each vessel, for each country of origin (there may be more than one country of origin on each vessel).

When the fruit is discharged at port, the fruit from each consignment is held until requested by the procurement and allocation teams. Each load is then given a unique load number whilst retaining the original consignment number. This load number will now stay with each load throughout all following processes. Upon receipt, depot will confirm the consignment number and load number have been allocated correctly. The warehouse and QC teams will inspect the pallets to ensure that all information is present. If it is not, a claim/alert will be raised which will be communicated to supplier.

The warehouse team will attach a pallet number to each pallet. In some of our depots the pallet number is in the form of a barcode which is scanned onto a stock management control system, which allows us to pallet track the pallet through the system.

The QC department will check each load to ensure the farm codes present are on the approved supplier list. If they are not, again, a claim / alert will be raised to the allocation and ripening teams. If approval cannot be obtained before the fruit is to be used then fruit will be allocated to market.

When the fruit is used the production team will either scan the unique barcode to the stock management system or record the pallet numbers used from each load/consignment for the works order number allocated to the customer order.

Before out-loading or processing, the farm codes are recorded on QC inspection and positive release sheets, alongside load and consignment numbers. Again, the farm codes are checked; if they are not approved the boxes affected will be put to one side awaiting approval or allocation to market.

Each pallet which leaves the site will have a unique barcode. This barcode can be traced back to the consignment, pallet and load numbers used for each works order. The works order is printed on the delivery note and therefore we will be able to it trace back through our system back to the farm where the fruit originated.