11.30.2007 - 12:22pm ET

(CSRwire) WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA - November 30, 2007 - Dole announced yesterday that Standard Fruit Company de Costa Rica, a Dole division in Costa Rica, and Dole Thailand received the 2007 'Grand Winner' Award and a 2007 'Excellence Award' from their respective American Chambers of Commerce, for outstanding Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) achievements.

The awards, presented to American companies each year, recognize an exceptional commitment to the well-being and betterment of the surrounding communities, people and culture, focusing on the areas of social accountability, environmental responsibility and education.

Standard Fruit Company de Costa Rica, Dole's division in Costa Rica was presented the award by Dr. Oscar Arias Sánchez, President of the Republic of Costa Rica and 1987 recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, to Danilo Román, General Manager of Standard Fruit de Costa Rica in a San José ceremony on November 27. Dole's work in the areas of the environment, social programs and education was recognized over 12 other candidates.

"This award pays tribute to our 7,300 employees' commitment to social, environmental and educational programs in Costa Rica", said Danilo Román. "We are proud of this recognition and will continue to strive to make further advancements in these areas."

Dole Thailand was presented with a 2007 'Excellence Award' by the American Chamber of Commerce in Thailand on November 28. Selected from 18 nominees, Dole's efforts were profiled as part of the Chamber's first annual Corporate Social Responsibility Awards program.

"Dole realized a long time ago that what's good for the community is good for business," said Graeme Cox, Managing Director of Dole Thailand. "We are pleased that our work with the community has been recognized by AMCHAM and look forward to many more years of investment and commitment to the Thai people."

"It is a great honor for Dole to be distinguished simultaneously in both Costa Rica and Thailand. These awards demonstrate that our commitment to CSR and achievements are not limited to geography, but rather are part of the Company's DNA, wherever Dole operates", says Sylvain Cuperlier, Vice President, Director of Worldwide Corporate Social Responsibility for Dole.

About Dole Food Company:

Dole is committed to the quality of our products, sustainable environmental practices and the wellbeing of our 75,000 employees worldwide. Dole contributes generously to the communities where it operates around the world, promoting nutrition and health education as well as a healthier, more sustainable environment.

Dole Food Company, Inc., with 2006 revenues of $6.2 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; 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.

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