David Murdock, founder of Dole and advocate for agricultural products, dies at 102

The billionaire entrepreneur and wellness advocate, who transformed Dole into a global fruit powerhouse and later championed nutritional research, died on June 9.

12/06/2025

David Murdock, the billionaire founder of Dole, the world's largest fresh produce company and advocate of healthy plant-based diets, died at the age of 102.

Murdock, who championed the life-enhancing power of fruits and vegetables as head of the company he founded, and who later established the David H. Murdock Research Institute To support research in health, nutrition, and agriculture, he was considered not only one of the industry's most important business leaders, but also one of its most fervent supporters.

"It's never too late to change your diet," he once said. "Once you do, your body will thank you with a longer, healthier life."

In a statement, Dole said: “It is with great sadness that we share today the news of the passing of David H. Murdock, former owner, chairman and CEO of Dole Food Company, on June 9, at the age of 102.”

He continued: “David H. Murdock stood out as a singular force in American business: a self-made billionaire, a visionary entrepreneur, and a steadfast advocate for health, longevity, and innovation.

“As our star guide from 1985 to 2020, Mr. Murdock transformed the global agricultural landscape through bold investments, science-based leadership, and an unwavering belief in the power of nutrition.

In 1985, he took over the ownership of the Hawaiian company Castle & Cooke, owner of the Dole Food Company. Spurred by the devastating loss of his wife Gabriele that same year, he dedicated his life to nutrition and healthy eating as a cure for cancer and a lifespan extension.

“His vision and commitment to scientific discovery and product development related to human health, nutrition, longevity, and agriculture were unprecedented, and he created and funded collaborations with universities, corporations, and healthcare organizations to better understand disease prevention through lifestyle, diet, and exercise regimens.

He founded the IDole Nutrition Institute to “Feed the world with knowledge” and promote the benefits of a plant-based diet to promote health and well-being.

On a mission

Under Murdock's leadership, he said, Dole became an iconic brand and one of the world's largest producers and marketers of high-quality fresh fruits and vegetables, with a singular mission to improve people's eating habits.

According to the company, he used to say: “We take more care in the maintenance of our cars than in our bodies.”

In 1985, Murdock acquired Castle & Cooke and gained control of the subsidiary Dole Food Company, which he subsequently transformed into the world's largest producer of fruits and vegetables, especially bananas and pineapples.

That same year, he lost his wife Gabriele to cancer, an episode considered pivotal to his lifelong interest in health, nutrition, and longevity.

In 2003, he founded the Dole Nutrition Institute. Later, he wrote the Dole Nutrition Manual and opened the California Institute for Health and Longevity.

Johan Linden, Dole's chief operating officer, said the impact of his former colleague's work was not limited to the fresh produce industry itself.

“Mr. Murdock’s influence extended far beyond agriculture; his philanthropic efforts in scientific research, sustainable development, and education have left a lasting mark on our business and the food industry,” he said.

Driven by passion, curiosity, and an unwavering work ethic, he perfectly exemplified what it means to be an industry giant, with a legacy rooted in both business and purpose. I had the privilege of working closely with him throughout my career at Dole.

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