Dole Food Company, Inc. Names Gibraltar Associates as CSR Communications Agency of Record

Firm will lead initiative surrounding carbon neutral banana program in Costa Rica

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 14 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Dole Food Company, Inc. today announced that Gibraltar Associates will serve as its public relations agency for its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs, focused on brand enhancement, visibility and an expanded new media and on-line presence.

Gibraltar Associates will manage all public and media relations for Dole's CSR efforts, with a focus on elevating Dole's profile as the world's largest distributor of fresh fruits and vegetables. Gibraltar will increase consumer awareness of the Dole brand through innovative new media programs in the U.S. and around the world.

Gibraltar will also lead communications and marketing efforts for Dole's environmental pilot program in Costa Rica to produce "carbon neutral" bananas and pineapples. In partnership with the Costa Rican Ministry of the Environment and Energy, the broad initiative seeks to neutralize the carbon footprint resulting from the planting, harvesting, packaging and distribution of the fruits.

"We have partnered with Gibraltar because they understand how marketing, PR and public affairs all connect in today's market," said Marty Ordman, Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Dole. "Their creative approach and global experience are ideal matches to meet Dole's communications goals."

"Gibraltar is privileged to be collaborating with a marquee, global brand such as Dole," said Eric Bovim, CEO of Gibraltar Associates. "Using Web 2.0 strategies, we can marshal the brand identity into new markets and audiences."

About Gibraltar Associates

Gibraltar Associates, with offices in Los Angeles and Washington, DC, specializes in global communications, new media and public policy strategy for corporate brands and private interests. The firm, led by Thomas Pernice and Eric Bovim, was launched last year. Additional information can be found at Gibraltar Associates' website at www.gibraltar-llc.com.

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E-mail: media@gibraltar-llc.com

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