Westlake Village, CA - September 05, 2008

Dole Food Company announced today its was chosen as a finalist for the U.S. Secretary of State's prestigious 2008 Award for Corporate Excellence (ACE.) Dole is one of eleven U.S. companies operating abroad chosen as finalists, selected from more than sixty nominations submitted by U.S. Ambassadors around the world.

As an ACE finalist, the U.S. Department of State has recognized Dole's operations in the Philippines as an exemplary corporate citizen. Dole Philippines is a leader in environmental stewardship, with education, training, environmental protection and health programs benefiting Dole employees and the communities in which they live.

Among other contributions, Dole recently planted its millionth tree under the Company's "Chairs-for-Trees" program, increasing the number of desks and chairs available for local schools and, in doing so, implementing recycling and reforestation initiatives. The desk-chair combinations are made from Dole's recycled wooden pallets, and in exchange beneficiaries plant seedlings."Public diplomacy and long-term community investment have been at the heart of Dole's core principles for decades," said David DeLorenzo, president and chief executive officer of Dole Food Company. "In the rural areas in which we operate around the world, Dole is working and building communities, even where others are often fighting."

About the Award for Corporate Excellence (ACE):The U.S. Secretary of State has awarded ACE since 1999 to recognize U.S. businesses operating abroad for advancing good corporate citizenship, innovation, and democratic principles. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the ACE program. Secretary of State Rice will present the winners for 2008 on November 6th.

About Dole Food Company:Dole Food Company, Inc., with 2007 revenues of $6.9 billion, is the world's largest producer and marketer of high-quality fresh fruit and fresh vegetables. Dole markets a growing line of packaged foods and frozen fruit and is a produce industry leader in nutrition education and research. For more information on the company's CSR efforts, please visit www.dolecsr.com.