Westlake Village, California - February 09, 2004

Dole Food Company, Inc. today announced the appointment of James Prideaux to President, Dole Asia. Mr. Prideaux will report directly to David H. Murdock, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer.

Mr. Prideaux joined Dole Asia in 2000. Prior to this promotion, he served as Dole Asia's Chief Financial Officer and had been acting President since June 2003. Mr. Prideaux is a Chartered Accountant and received his BBA from Birmingham University, England.

Mr. Murdock stated: "James has been a significant contributor to our success in the Asia market, and I am pleased that he will be assuming this leadership role for Dole Asia."

Dole Food Company, Inc., with 2002 revenues of $4.4 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.