Dole to Withdraw Defamation Suit

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif.--(Business Wire)--
Dole Food Company, Inc. today announced that it is dismissing its defamation
lawsuit against filmmakers Fredrik Gertten, Margarete Jangard and WG Film AB in
the Los Angeles Superior Court, relating to the film Bananas!*.

Dole made its decision in light of the free speech concerns being expressed in
Sweden, although it continues to believe in the merits of its case. Dole
strongly believes in freedom of speech and expression, which are so important in
Sweden and the United States.

"While the filmmakers continue to show a film that is fundamentally flawed and
contains many false statements we look forward to an open discussion with the
filmmakers regarding the content of the film," said C. Michael Carter, Dole`s
Executive Vice President and General Counsel.

Dole Food Company, Inc.
In U.S. Contact:
Marty Ordman, 818-874-4834
or
In Europe Contact:
Marie Noelle Fixler, 33 0 1 44 17 3060

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