WESTLAKE VILLAGE, California - October 10, 2005

Dole Food Company, Inc., today announced the promotion of Javier H. Idrovo to President, Dole Worldwide Packaged Foods, to succeed Peter M. Nolan, who earlier announced his retirement after 13 years with Dole. Mr. Idrovo will report directly to Richard J. Dahl, President and Chief Operating Officer of Dole. Mr. Idrovo joined the Company in 2001 as Vice President of Strategy. He was promoted in 2004 to Senior Vice President of Strategy. In 2005, he was named Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Dole Worldwide Packaged Foods. Prior to joining Dole, he worked with The Boston Consulting Group in various positions, the last being as a manager in their Los Angeles office. Mr. Idrovo holds both a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Engineering from Harvey Mudd College and an MBA from the Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration.

Richard Dahl, President and Chief Operating Officer stated: "Javier's strategic planning, consulting and managerial background and experience within Dole make him uniquely suited to take on this new responsibility. I look forward to working with him as he continues growing this division and strengthens our leadership position in the packaged foods market."

Mr. Dahl expressed the Company's appreciation for Mr. Nolan's years of leadership, stating: "Pete led Worldwide Packaged Foods through an incredible period of growth and change. Pete's accomplishments include the introduction of DOLE® FRUIT BOWLS®, integration of our Asia manufacturing operations into Worldwide Packaged Food and, most recently, the acquisition of our frozen fruit division. He will be leaving this division positioned to continue its growth and expansion."

The Company announced that Brad C. Bartlett was promoted to Senior Vice President of Marketing and Sales, reporting to Mr. Idrovo. Mr. Bartlett joined Dole in 1989 as regional sales manager after working for eight years with the Pillsbury Company. In his new position, he will have responsibility for all Marketing and Sales teams in the United States, Canadian and Asian markets. Mr. Bartlett has a Bachelor's of Science degree in Marketing Management from Old Dominion University.

Danko Stambuk was named Senior Vice President of Manufacturing, reporting to Mr. Idrovo. Mr. Stambuk's responsibilities will include worldwide sourcing, production, logistics and distribution for the division. He joined Dole in 1996 and has held management positions in Dole's Thailand and Philippine operations. Prior to joining Dole, he worked with Z Fishing Company and Star Kist Seafood Company. He holds a Bachelor's of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Nikola Tesla College in Croatia.

The Company announced the appointment of Allan M. Dicks to replace Mr. Idrovo. Mr. Dicks joined Dole in 2003 and was promoted to the position of Worldwide Controller for Dole Worldwide Packaged Foods in 2005. Prior to joining Dole, Mr. Dicks was with PricewaterhouseCoopers. He is a Certified Public Accountant and chartered accountant and holds Bachelor degrees in both Commerce and Accounting from the University of the Wiewatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.

Dole Food Company, Inc., with 2004 revenues of $5.3 billion, is the world's largest producer and marketer of high-quality fresh fruit, fresh vegetables and fresh-cut flowers. Dole markets a growing line of packaged and frozen foods and is a produce industry leader in nutrition education and research.

This release contains "forward-looking statements," within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Forward looking statements, which are based on management's current expectations, are generally identifiable by the use of terms such as "may," "will," "expects," "believes," "intends" and similar expressions. The potential risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied herein include weather-related phenomena; market responses to industry volume pressures; product and raw materials supplies and pricing; electrical power supply and pricing; changes in interest and currency exchange rates; economic crises and security risks in developing countries; international conflict; and quotas, tariffs and other governmental actions. Further information on the factors that could affect Dole's financial results is included in its SEC filings, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K.