By Heather Taylor, Editor-in-Chief, PopIcon
What do you know about the Dole Food Company mascot, Bobby Banana? The a-peel-ing produce enthusiast known for encouraging Americans to enjoy their daily fruits and veggies is surprisingly visible if you know where to look online, especially on social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn. (We’re not kidding about the last one. Bobby has his own brand ambassador page and is even wearing a tie in his profile photo.)
Outside of social though, it can be harder to find outlets covering the mascot’s story and this is where we come in. Bobby is a longtime PopIcon friend, having helped us announce the Madison Avenue Walk of Fame winners in 2020 via Zoom!
We spoke to Wiliam (Bil) Goldfield, director of marketing communications at Dole Food Company. Not only did we get a rare glimpse into Bobby’s world, but we also learned about another Dole friend, Pinellopy Pineapple, who is also growing in popularity on and off the internet among consumers.
When did Bobby debut as Dole’s mascot? How about Pinellopy?
Bobby Banana’s debut in 1992 came about to promote Dole’s leadership in a new Dole Nutrition initiative for kids associated with national implementation of the 5-A-Day program. Pinellopy and a handful of other characters followed soon after. Even though that program was retired, Bobby and Pinellopy mascots remain as natural outgrowths of our long commitment to health and wellness. As a global leader in fresh produce, we recognize the need for friendly and approachable ambassadors to convey our message of nutritious living to consumers worldwide.
Bobby embodies the company’s values while capturing the imagination of audiences young and old. Drawing inspiration from the vibrant colors and natural appeal of bananas with expressive eyes and a jaunty demeanor, Bobby Banana is a cheerful and energetic mascot with a passion for healthy living—a figure as likely to inspire laughter as he is to encourage healthy choices.
When Bobby Banana made his debut, the response was immediate and overwhelmingly positive. From television commercials to print advertisements, on packages and in stores, Bobby’s sunny disposition and infectious enthusiasm captured the hearts of consumers around the world. Children clamored to meet him at events and appearances, while parents welcomed his messages about the importance of incorporating fruits and vegetables into daily diets. As the years passed, Bobby Banana evolved from a mere mascot into a cultural icon. His likeness appeared in both film and television sitcoms, adorning everything from apparel to posters, serving as a constant reminder of the joys of healthy living. But perhaps Bobby’s greatest legacy lies in the countless lives he has touched, inspiring generations to embrace nutritious choices and lead active lifestyles.
Likewise, Pinellopy Pineapple shines with warmth, sweetness, and spirited charm. Sporting a vibrant crown and golden glow, she represents hospitality, positivity, and the joy of healthy living. Connecting people through good food and good vibes, she shares tropical recipes and brightens communities wherever she goes.
Today, Bobby Banana and Pinellopy Pineapple remain as fresh and relevant as ever, a testament to the enduring power of a simple idea brought to life with creativity and conviction. As Dole continues to innovate and inspire, our Dole mascots stand as shining examples of the impact a friendly face and a positive message can have on the world.
Bobby is seven-feet tall, making him the only banana mascot who has trouble fitting through doorways. What other fun facts can you share about Bobby?
Contrary to popular belief, Bobby does not bruise easily. That resilience and strength is a result of his powerful nutritional makeup. He’s perpetually in good spirits; in fact, smiling is one of his favorite things to do. Bobby Banana visits schools often in Dole’s hometown of Charlotte, North Carolina as part of Dole’s health and fitness initiatives, both alone and alongside Dole alliance partners. He is a regular at the finish line of the Charlotte Marathon in conjunction with Dole’s sponsorship of the annual event and has appeared in several nationwide supermarket tours initiated by Dole including “Peel the Love,” “Get Up and Grow” and Get Up and Grow Together.”
Just a few years ago to signal the end of COVID, Dole’s top banana worked with Pinellopy Pineapple to lead a back-to-school initiative featuring special recipes, digital downloads and merchandise.
A year later, in conjunction with Dole’s 125th BananaVersary, celebrating the produce leader’s 125 years in the banana business, Bobby was inducted into the Dole Banana Hall of Fame and was featured with his own dedicated display in the Corporate Mascots Gallery of the National Mascot Hall of Fame.
Bobby is also a regular guest at the Great American Banana Split Celebration, a weekend event scheduled every year around National Banana Split Day on Aug. 25 to honor Latrobe, Pennsylvania, as the birthplace of the iconic dessert. Sometimes Bobby can do the splits—making him the OG banana split!
Besides Bobby and Pinellopy, other “Dole friends” include Courtney Cauliflower, Mia Mango, and Gavin Grape. Do you think there’s a chance fans will catch the whole crew via social media?
When Bobby and Pinellopy were first launched with the Dole Kids Cookbook in the 1990s, there were eight initial characters. As their popularity soared, a total of 42 characters were introduced by Dole. Most of those have since been retired, but we never know who Bobby and Pinellopy may befriend on their journeys.
What roles do Bobby and Pinellopy play as Dole’s healthy-eating icons?
Both Bobby Banana and Pinellopy Pineapple are passionate about showing the world, and especially kids, a healthy active lifestyle including a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, can be fun, easy and tasty.
While Bobby was featured prominently throughout Dole’s 125th BananaVersary in 2024, Pinellopy is having a similar starring role during Dole’s 125th Pineapple Crowning Anniversary, which is building toward a series of very special events in Charlotte and beyond on International Pineapple Day on June 27.
What is Bobby up to on LinkedIn?
Bobby has been busy lately filming new video content for his LinkedIn page as well as other Dole platforms he makes guest appearances on.
Look for his content to appear on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube beginning in late April and May.
What fresh plans do Bobby and Pinellopy have for 2026? Where can fans see them next?
You can find Bobby and/or Pinellopy at school assemblies, health fairs, sports activities, corporate retail appearances and other events throughout 2026 including the company blood drives organized by Dole in cooperation with the American Red Cross on International Pineapple Day on June 27 as part of the fruit’s association with hospitality, compassion and charity.
Other planned calendar activities include:
- Take-a-Child Fishing Tournament – May 9, 2026 in Port Freeport, Texas
- Chefs Cycle for No Kid Hungry Fundraising Ride – June 1 – 3 in Bend, Oregon
- Charlotte Hornets School Events – Summer 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina
- Great American Banana Split Celebration – August 22 – 23 in Latrobe, Pennsylvania
- 13th Annual Port of Hueneme Banana Festival – September 27, 2026 in Hueneme, California
- Global Produce & Floral Show hosted by the International Fresh Produce Association — October 14 – 16 in Orlando, Florida
- 2026 Novant Health Charlotte Marathon – November 13 – 14 in Charlotte, North Carolina
Image credits: Dole Food Company
About the Author
Heather Taylor is the senior writer and editor-in-chief of PopIcon, Advertising Week’s blog about brand mascots. Got a pitch on brand mascots or want to wax nostalgic about characters? Drop her a line at howveryheather@gmail.com.
