Billionaire businessman and wellness advocate, who transformed Dole into global fruit powerhouse and later championed nutrition research, passed away on 9 June
David Murdock, the billionaire founder of the world’s biggest fresh produce company Dole and an advocate of plant-based, healthy diets, has died at the age of 102.
Murdock, who championed the life-enhancing power of fruit and vegetables as boss of the enterprise he created, and later went on to establish the David H Murdock Research Institute to support research into health, nutrition, and agriculture, was regarded not only as one of the industry’s most important business leaders, but also one of its most ardent supporters.
“It is never too late to change the way you eat,” he once said. “Once you do, your body will thank you with a longer and healthier life.”
In a statement, Dole said: “With heavy hearts we share the news today of the June 9 passing of David H Murdock, former owner, chairman and CEO of Dole Food Company at age 102.”
It continued: “David H Murdock stood apart – a singular force in American business – a self-made billionaire, visionary entrepreneur, and enduring advocate for health, longevity, and innovation.
“As our guiding star from 1985 to 2020, Mr Murdock transformed the global produce landscape through bold investments, science-driven leadership, and an unwavering belief in the power of nutrition.
“He took over the Hawaii-based company Castle & Cooke in 1985, which owned Dole Food Company. Driven by the devastating loss of his wife Gabriele that same year he devoted his life to nutrition and healthy eating as the cure for cancer and life extension.
“His vision and commitment to scientific discovery and product development as it relates to human health, nutrition, longevity and agriculture was unprecedented, building and funding collaborations with universities, corporations and healthcare organisations to better understand disease prevention through lifestyle, diet and exercise regimens.
“He established the Dole Nutrition Institute to ‘Feed the World with Knowledge’ and advocate the benefits of a plant-based diet in promoting health and wellness.”
On a mission
Under Murdock’s leadership, it said, Dole became an iconic brand and one of the world’s largest producers and marketers of high-quality fresh fruit and vegetables, with a singular mission to improve people’s eating habits.
According to the company, he would often say, “We take better care of the maintenance of our cars than we take care of the maintenance of our bodies.”
In 1985, Murdock acquired Castle & Cooke and gained control of subsidiary Dole Food Company, which he subsequently transformed into the world’s largest producer of fruits and vegetables, particularly bananas and pineapples.
That same year, he lost his wife Gabriele to cancer, an episode regarded as pivotal in terms of his lifelong interest in health, nutrition, and longevity.
In 2003, he establised the Dole Nutrition Institute. Later he authored the Dole Nutrition Handbook, and opened the California Health and Longevity Institute.
Johan Linden, chief operating officer of Dole, 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 science research, sustainable development, and education have left a lasting imprint on our business and the food industry,” he commented.
“Driven by passion, curiosity, and an uncompromising standard and work ethic, he truly exemplified what it means to be a titan of industry with a legacy rooted in both business and purpose. It had been my privilege to work closely with him during my career with Dole.”
