Westlake Village, California - January 09, 2002

Dole Food Company, Inc. (NYSE: DOL) announced today that David A. DeLorenzo is retiring after 31 years with the company. Mr. DeLorenzo will continue to serve on the company's Board of Directors.

Mr. DeLorenzo joined Dole in 1970 assigned to the New Orleans office of its subsidiary, Standard Fruit and Steamship Company. He subsequently worked at various operations within the United States, Nicaragua, Honduras, Costa Rica, and at the company's corporate headquarters in Westlake Village, California. After serving the company in various positions, he was promoted to President of Dole Fresh Fruit Company in 1986. Mr. DeLorenzo then served as President and Chief Operating Officer of the company for ten years beginning in 1990. Most recently he served as Vice Chairman of the company.

David H. Murdock, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, stated, David made tremendous contributions to our management team for more than three decades, during which time Dole became a global leader in fresh fruit, fresh vegetables and packaged foods. David is highly regarded by the industry and well liked and respected by his colleagues at Dole who wish him great success in his endeavors. We are particularly pleased that his expertise and knowledge remain with the company through his service on our board of directors.

Dole Food Company, Inc., with 2000 revenues of $4.8 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.