Westlake Village, California - April 01, 2004

Dole Food Company, Inc. ("Dole") commented today that it believes that the early introduction of a single tariff as soon as possible is critical for fair and transparent banana trade in the European market. The European Commission is legally committed to introduction of a single tariff no later than January 1, 2006, and Dole supports a tariff only system as soon as feasible before that date. Dole strongly supports all efforts to seek the lowest possible tariff through the use of objective, World Trade Organization ("WTO") methodologies.

Dole believes that all Latin American exporting countries must work together to avoid a high, politically motivated tariff. Latin American countries should engage the European Commission as soon as possible and provide a WTO-compatible framework for the tariff negotiations. This is the best way to ensure that the tariff is objectively calculated. Dole supports the lowest possible tariff that can be achieved through the use of WTO-compatible methodologies, and Dole is ready to assist all Latin American countries in this concerted effort.

Dole Food Company, Inc., with 2003 revenues of $4.8 billion, is the world's largest producer and marketer of high-quality fresh fruit, fresh vegetables and fresh-cut flowers, markets a growing line of packaged foods and is a produce industry leader in nutrition education and research.