Dole Food Company, Inc. Organizes Special Committee

Dole Food Company, Inc.

today announced that it has designated a special committee of its Board of Directors to act on behalf of the Company in respect of the acquisition proposal made by David H. Murdock on June 10, 2013. The special committee consists of the four members of the Board of Directors who are independent, and will be chaired by Andrew J. Conrad. The special committee has engaged Lazard as its financial advisor and Sullivan & Cromwell LLP as legal counsel. No assurance can be given that Mr. Murdock's proposal, or any other transaction, will be consummated. The Company does not intend to disclose developments regarding these matters unless and until its Board of Directors determines there is a need to update the market.