Westlake Village, California - June 27, 2002

Dole Food Company, Inc. (NYSE: DOL) today announced that Richard J. Dahl has been appointed Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Dahl comes to Dole from Pacific Century Financial Corporation (formerly known as Bancorp Hawaii, Inc.) and Bank of Hawaii, where he most recently served as President. Mr. Dahl first joined Bancorp Hawaii, Inc. in 1981 as Vice President and Controller and held various financial positions, including Chief Financial Officer, before being named President in 1994. Prior to joining Bank of Hawaii, Mr. Dahl was with Ernst & Young, public accountants.

David H. Murdock, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, stated: "We are very pleased that Mr. Dahl is joining the Dole team. His solid managerial background, financial expertise, international experience and proven leadership ability will make a strong contribution to the company."

Mr. Dahl will be replacing Kenneth J. Kay, who has chosen to leave the company to pursue other interests. Mr. Murdock stated: "We appreciate the efforts and positive contributions Ken has made to the company during his tenure and we wish him well in his future pursuits."

Dole Food Company, Inc., with 2001 revenues of $4.5 billion, is the world's largest producer and marketer of high-quality fresh fruit, fresh vegetables and fresh-cut flowers, and markets a growing line of packaged foods.