Dole Food Co. Inc. Purchases 35% of British Distributor

Dole Food Co. Inc., based in Westlake Village, has purchased 35% of Jamaica Fruit Distributors Ltd., a leading fruit distribution company in the United Kingdom with 1993 sales of $225 million.

The acquisition is part of Dole’s effort to boost its fruit business overseas.

The company said that with the addition of Jamaica Producers, Dole and its affiliates’ sales in Europe will exceed $1 billion.

Dole Food, with 1993 revenues of $3.4 billion, is one of the world’s largest producers and marketers of fruits and vegetables.

It is also involved in real estate development, and resorts.