Westlake Village, CA - March 15, 2001

Dole Food Company, Inc. (NYSE : DOL) announced today that Eric M. Schwartz has been promoted to the position of President - Worldwide Vegetables. He will be responsible for all vegetable operations and markets throughout Dole. Mr. Schwartz initially joined Dole in 1993, and most recently was Senior Vice President of Operations at Dole Fresh Vegetables with responsibility for manufacturing, distribution, purchasing, customer service and marketing. As President - Worldwide Vegetables, Mr. Schwartz will report directly to Lawrence A. Kern, Dole Food Company President and Chief Operating Officer.

John T. Schouten has been promoted to the position of Senior Vice President and General Manager - Commodities at Dole Fresh Vegetables, reporting to Mr. Schwartz. Mr. Schouten joined Dole in 1985 and has served in a variety of positions with increasing responsibility within Dole's vegetables business.

Michael J. Cavallero has been promoted to the position of President of North America Tropical Fresh Fruit, reporting to Mr. Kern. Mr. Cavallero is responsible for sales and marketing of tropical fresh fruit within North America, as well as the U.S. terminal and Hawaiian operations. Mr. Cavallero joined Dole in 1974 and was most recently Vice President - North America Sales & Marketing.

Dole Food Company, Inc. with 2000 revenues of $4.8 billion, is the world's largest producer and marketer of high-quality fresh fruit and vegetables and fresh-cut flowers, and markets a growing line of packaged foods.