Dole Food Company has announced the launch of its first-ever fruit snacks and organic lollipops through a new licensing partnership with Imaginings 3, Inc., a leading snack and confectionery company. The innovative product line marks a strategic move into the better-for-you snack category, aligning with Dole’s mission to make the world a healthier place.
The launch comes at a pivotal moment in consumer behavior. According to IRI (2024), 73% of parents are actively seeking healthier snack options for their kids, while SPINS (2023) reports that organic candy sales have increased 11% year over year.
These new products leverage Dole’s trusted brand reputation and expand its presence in the booming better-for-you snack category, providing consumers with the perfect balance of flavor, and nutrition, while offering healthier choices on shelves for the consumers free of dyes and artificial flavors:
- Fruit Snacks – Made with real fruit purée and free from the nine major allergens, these snacks are a lunchbox-friendly option that parents can feel good about.
- Organic Lollipops – USDA-certified organic and naturally flavored and colored, these lollipops offer a cleaner candy experience for health-conscious consumers.
A phased launch will begin in major grocery and mass retailers, with wider availability through e-commerce and specialty retailers later this year.
“Our goal was to launch a better-for-you snack, free of dyes, artificial flavors, and excess sugar, without compromising on taste. Partnering with Imaginings 3 was a natural fit. Their passion and creativity helped bring this fruit-forward, flavorful concept to life, and we’re thrilled to share it with consumers nationwide,” says Elisabeth Morris, Director of Brand Marketing & Licensing at Dole.
Dale Thomas, President, Imaginings 3, Inc. says, “We’re honored to partner with a globally trusted brand like Dole to introduce a new line of delicious, better-for-you fruit snacks and lollipops. At Imaginings 3, our mission is to deliver exceptional products with strong consumer appeal and retailer impact, and this collaboration with Dole represents a perfect alignment of values and vision. We look forward to building this brand together and making Dole fruit snacks and lollipops household favorites.”
The partnership was facilitated by Beanstalk, Dole’s exclusive licensing agency.
