Dole in San Diego

Dole in San Diego. We reported in April that Dole was considering other ports including Hueneme.

Dole Food Co. is preparing to renew its lease with the Port of San Diego, according to officials with both entities.

Media in the San Diego area may have jumped the gun, though, with reports in late January that the 25-year deal was done, said Bil Goldfield, communications manager for Dole Food Inc. of Westlake Village, Calif. He said Dole officials have looked at other options, but the San Diego location best fit the company’s needs.

“Nothing is signed yet,” Goldfield said Jan. 30. “Negotiations are going well and we are excited at the possibility of staying in San Diego.”

Port officials said the Dole produce accounted for about 82% of the port’s cargo tonnage last year.

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