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Dole UK has partnered with AgriSound, a UK-based agri-tech firm specialising in pollination monitoring, to launch a pilot study aimed at improving fruit production through advanced pollination insights. The initiative, which commenced in April 2025 at Dole’s Charlton site, seeks to explore how innovative growing materials influence pollinator activity and, consequently, fruit yield and quality.

The pilot study will utilise AgriSound's Polly sensors to gather real-time data on bumblebee activity within Dole's IYRIS SecondSky polytunnels. This technology is designed to monitor pollinator interactions in various microclimates created by different polytunnel covers, comparing the performance of these advanced materials against industry-standard options.

The findings are expected to provide critical insights into the relationship between environmental conditions, pollinator behaviour, and fruit production outcomes.

Drew Reynolds, technical and sustainability director at Dole, noted the project’s broader ecological implications: “This project is not just about testing a new material; it’s about understanding the ecological and commercial impacts of farming innovations, especially in the fruit industry”. By integrating technology with real-world applications, the study aims to enhance sustainable practices and protect local ecosystems.

The timing of this pilot study is particularly relevant, given the substantial investment in research and development by UK food and drink manufacturers, which exceeded £800 million between 2021 and 2022. This marks a 13% increase from the previous year, reflecting a growing emphasis on innovation within the sector. Fruit producers are increasingly focused on developing new berry varieties and optimising packaging formats to improve yield and sustainability.

AgriSound's Robin Wilson, a pollination specialist, highlighted the significance of pollination in the agricultural process: “Pollination influences every stage of crop production, from fruit quality to overall yield”. The pilot study aims to create optimal conditions for flower development and effective pollination, thereby enhancing the productivity of fruit crops.

As the pilot study progresses through the current growing season and concludes in October 2025, the collaboration between Dole and AgriSound is poised to deliver valuable insights that could reshape practices across the fruit production industry. By combining advanced sensor technology with empirical research, the initiative seeks to establish a model for sustainable innovation that can be replicated throughout the sector.

The findings from this pilot study may not only validate the effectiveness of new growing materials but also underscore the importance of pollinator health in achieving long-term agricultural success. With pollination often overlooked in traditional agricultural research, this initiative represents a critical step toward integrating ecological considerations into commercial farming practices.