MANILA, Philippines--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 17, 2007--The Stanfilco division of Dole Philippines, a division of Dole Food Company, was honored by the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) for its commitment to quality and productivity in its banana operations. The "Outstanding Achievement on Productivity and Quality" award was presented to Dole by Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

The KAPATID or Kapatiran sa Industriya Awards are presented every two years by ECOP to leading business organizations in the Philippines. This biennial distinction is bestowed on companies that exemplify superior business practices in the areas of industrial relations, quality and productivity, social accountability, strategic vision and job preservation.

"On behalf of our management and employees, I'm very proud to accept this prestigious award recognizing our commitment to quality and productivity throughout our operations in the Philippines," said Filemon Sanchez, Stanfilco Division Manager for Human Resources. "It is an honor to be recognized by ECOP for our efforts in these areas."

Stanfilco, chosen from among 15 finalists, was presented with a trophy inscribed with the message: "in recognition of their passion for continuous improvement through the implementation of various quality and productivity schemes including strict international quality controls making its banana operation at par with the world's best, becoming the forerunner of the industry in the Philippines."

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 foods and frozen fruit 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.

Copyright Business Wire 2007

Dole Food Inc.

Dole Food Inc.

Dole Food Company, Inc., with 2005 revenues of $5.9 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.

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