WESTLAKE VILLAGE, California - September 12, 2012

Dole Food Company, Inc. (NYSE: DOLE) announced in response to market rumors, that, as part of its previously announced strategic review, it is in advanced negotiations with ITOCHU Corporation for the possible sale of its Packaged Foods and Asia Fresh businesses. No definitive agreements have been signed at this time, and Dole continues in discussions with several other parties regarding these assets and others.

ABOUT DOLE FOOD COMPANY

DOLE is the world’s largest producer and marketer of high-quality fresh fruit and fresh vegetables, and is the leading producer of organic bananas and producer/shipper of organic pineapples. DOLE markets a growing line of packaged and frozen fruit and is a produce industry leader in nutrition education and research. For more information, please visit www.dole.com. For more information on DOLE’s sustainability initiatives, please visit www.dolesustainability.com.