U.S.-based Dole Food Company has responded to a petition campaign urging it to put pressure on the Thai Pineapple Industry Association (TPIA) over an intimidatory legal case against a British migrant rights activist, claiming it has no connection to the group.

"Dole has been made aware of pending litigation in Thailand involving the Thai company Natural Fruit Co., Ltd. and Mr. Andy Hall, apparently concerning claims by Mr. Hall of alleged labour rights violations at Natural Fruit’s facilities," Dole said in a statement.

"Dole has been asked to use its status as a supposed member of the Thai Pineapple Industry Association to exert influence over Natural Fruit with respect to its pending litigation against Mr. Hall.

"However, Dole is not a member of the Thai Pineapple Industry Association and does not have any business dealings with Natural Fruit."

However, Dole Thailand is listed as a member of the TPIA and this has raised a great deal of confusion amongst the activist's supporters.

The issue is all in the name, as it is understood that Dole Thailand belongs to Dole International Holdings, a business the U.S. entity sold to Japan's Itochu Corporation for US$1.685 billion in April last year.

Readers can click here for further background on the case.

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